New Jersey lawmakers are considering a proposal that would provide $60 million in direct state aid to farmers who suffered major crop losses during a severe four-day freeze in late April.
The unexpected cold snap damaged fruit crops across the state, including peaches, apples, pears, cherries, blueberries, strawberries and grapes. Many growers reported losing at least 30 percent of their crops, while some farms experienced nearly total losses. Statewide damage has been estimated at more than $300 million.
Proposed Grants for Farmers
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, R-Sussex, recently introduced legislation that would allocate $60 million from the state for grants to affected farmers.
Under the proposal, priority would be given to farms that suffered the most severe losses. The New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture would also be required to report within one year on how the funds were distributed and whether additional assistance is needed.
Seven Republican lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors, according to the New Jersey Monitor. State Sen. Parker Space, R-Sussex, who is also a farmer, is expected to sponsor corresponding legislation in the Senate.
Disaster Declarations Already Issued
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and the U.S. Department of Agriculture previously issued disaster declarations covering New Jersey following the freeze.
Those declarations opened access to emergency loans and other assistance, but farmers have continued to call for direct financial support as they attempt to recover from one of the most damaging growing seasons in recent memory.
Agriculture Remains a Major New Jersey Industry
New Jersey has nearly 10,000 farms, which generated close to $1.5 billion in agricultural sales in 2022, according to federal agricultural census data cited in the report.
The industry also supports approximately 25,000 farmworkers.
The spring freeze hit farmers at a time when many were already facing rising costs for labor, fertilizer and fuel. Smaller farms can be particularly vulnerable because much of their annual income may depend on a single growing season.
For some growers, crop insurance has covered part of the losses. Others, particularly smaller farms or those without diversified crops, may have fewer options for absorbing such a severe financial hit.
The proposed $60 million relief package would still need to move through the New Jersey Legislature before any funding could be distributed.
Tags: New Jersey, New Jersey Agriculture, NJ Farmers, State Legislature, Dawn Fantasia, Farm Relief, Agriculture
Sources: New Jersey Monitor; New Jersey Legislature; U.S. Department of Agriculture
By NJ RADAR Team