Farmers and vineyard owners in Maryland are set to receive financial assistance following significant damage caused by an unexpected late spring freeze.
On April 21, temperatures dropped below freezing after a preceding heat wave, resulting in severe harm to crops such as apples, peaches, barley, and grapes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a disaster declaration for the state, which will enable eligible farmers to access low-interest emergency loans and credit.
Governor Wes Moore announced the federal aid on Monday, highlighting that the crop losses have surpassed 30%, the threshold required for such a declaration. This situation has placed a considerable strain on the state's agriculture sector, particularly affecting the wine industry, where some vineyards are facing projected losses in the millions of dollars.
Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks emphasized the ongoing challenges farmers are experiencing, as they are not only dealing with the aftermath of the freeze but also an ongoing severe drought. He noted that many producers are incurring substantial maintenance costs without the necessary crop income.
The federal disaster designation is expected to serve as a crucial safety net for farmers as they begin the long process of recovery, which may take several years. Atticks encouraged farmers to reach out to their local USDA Farm Service Agency offices to apply for assistance.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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