Financial assistance is on the way for Maryland farms and vineyards devastated by an unseasonably late freeze this spring.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a disaster declaration for Maryland, which unlocks low-interest emergency loans and credit for eligible farmers, Gov. Wes Moore announced Monday.
On April 21, an unusual cold snap caused temperatures to plummet below freezing on the heels of a heat wave.
Apple, peach, barley and grape crops suffered extensive damage, organizations representing farms and wineries reported.
Some vineyards were projected to lose millions of dollars, which would be a major setback for the state’s wine industry.
Crop losses well exceeded 30%, which is the threshold for a disaster declaration, according to a Monday news release from Moore’s office.
In addition to suffering a catastrophic freeze, Maryland farmers are facing an ongoing and severe drought.
The federal designation provides a “safety net” to support farmers through recovery, which will take multiple years, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks said in a statement.
“Our producers are facing millions of dollars in ongoing maintenance costs without the crop income they rely on,” Atticks’ statement said.
Farmers should reach out to their county’s USDA Farm Service Agency office to apply for aid, according to the news release.






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