Gov. Sherrill declares state of emergency, seeks federal disaster aid after devastating crop losses in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a statewide state of emergency and is requesting a federal disaster designation following widespread agricultural losses caused by an April freeze that devastated crops across New Jersey.

State officials estimate the freeze caused at least $300 million in crop losses after a sudden temperature drop struck farms between April 19 and April 22, damaging fruit trees and crops during a critical stage of development.

According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, many farms suffered crop losses exceeding 30%, while some growers reported near-total losses for certain crops.

The state of emergency, enacted through Executive Order No. 18, applies to all 21 counties and is intended to speed recovery efforts, coordinate assistance among state agencies and provide temporary regulatory flexibility for affected farmers.

“New Jersey’s agricultural sector is a vital engine of our economy; it is the very reason we bear the name the Garden State. The April freeze caused serious damage to our growers, and those losses demand decisive action,” Sherrill said. “This executive order mobilizes a whole-of-government recovery effort out of Trenton, cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating results for impacted farmers and families. Our farming families are hurting, and I won’t stand by and let it happen.”

State officials said the agricultural damage occurred after unusually warm temperatures earlier in April caused crops to bloom ahead of schedule. Temperatures later dropped into the 20s across parts of the state, severely damaging blossoms and newly forming fruit.

The freeze affected peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples and other crops statewide, according to officials. Some farmers reported losses approaching or exceeding 90%.

Sherrill has also formally requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking federal relief for impacted growers.

“Governor Sherrill’s declaration of a State of Emergency sends a clear message that New Jersey stands behind its farming community in the wake of the April freeze,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn. “This executive order cuts through bureaucracy and opens the door to immediate assistance for our tree fruit and berry growers, while laying the groundwork for broader relief ahead. As our farmers work to recover, we encourage New Jerseyans to continue supporting them by buying local. When the state and federal government move together, our farmers are stronger for it.”

Several state and federal lawmakers voiced support for the disaster designation request.

“This freeze was unlike anything our growers have experienced in decades, and the damage is staggering. An entire season of peaches, apples, and grapes were almost entirely decimated in a matter of hours. Many other fruits are also suffering significant losses. New Jersey farmers urgently need federal support to recover from this disaster, and swift approval of the state’s disaster designation request is an essential first step to helping them rebuild,” Sen. Cory Booker said.

“The devastating spring freeze in April hit our farmers hard, especially as they continue to face increasing financial pressures from inflation and rising fuel and operating costs,” said Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez, chair of the Senate Economic Growth Committee. “This Secretarial Disaster Designation would provide desperately needed relief to the Garden State farming community, helping these essential businesses recover their losses and continue the vital operations on which we all depend.”

“I have spent the past few weeks speaking with farmers about the damage their crops sustained from April’s below-freezing cold snap and I know too well that many are struggling right now,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, chairwoman of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “Agriculture is one of our most important economic drivers in New Jersey, and our family farms can’t afford to sustain losses brought on by the weather. A Disaster Declaration will pave the way farmers to receive low-interest loans to help them bridge the gap, so that they can keep producing Jersey Fresh high-quality fruits, vegetables, and other crops.”