State assessments found crop losses above 30% in many areas after a warm spell pushed crops into bloom before freezing temperatures hit, and New Jersey is seeking a federal disaster designation to help growers access relief.
MORRISTOWN, NJ – Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide State of Emergency on May 20 after agricultural loss assessments found major crop damage from prolonged freezing temperatures that hit New Jersey between April 19 and April 22.
The declaration, issued through Executive Order No. 18, applies to all 21 counties and follows reports of crop damage exceeding 30% in many areas, with some growers anticipating 100% losses for certain crops.
Early estimates from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture put the damage at at least $300 million. The executive order says the freeze followed unusually warm April weather, including two days above 90 degrees in some areas, which pushed fruit trees and other crops into a vulnerable flowering stage before temperatures dropped rapidly.
The order lists known impacts to peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, barley and apple varieties, while noting that the full extent of crop damage may not be known until later in the growing season.
Sherrill also requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which could make federal relief available to affected growers. According to the Governor’s Office, loss assessments reviewed by the Department of Agriculture confirmed damage above the 30% crop loss disaster threshold required to qualify for federal assistance.
For Morris County readers, the local significance is likely to be downstream: farm operations, farm markets, sellers, agritourism and other supporting businesses may feel effects as the growing season continues. The executive order says the losses could ripple beyond farms into downstream sellers, agritourism, other industries and local communities.
The order authorizes statewide emergency coordination and allows state agencies, with the governor’s approval, to waive, suspend or modify rules when enforcing them would be detrimental during the emergency. It remains in effect until the governor determines the emergency no longer exists.