Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as New Jersey continues to reel from an early spring freeze that devastated its farm industry.
According to the governor’s office, prolonged freezing temperatures severely impacted the Garden State between April 19 and April 22. The losses stem from a cold snap following a heat wave that struck crops precisely at a critical developmental stage – resulting in severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit.
The havoc was widespread, the governor’s office said.
Damage exceeded 30 percent in many parts of New Jersey, with some farmers anticipating “100 percent losses” for certain crops, including peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and apples.
Early estimates suggest at least $300 million in total crop losses for growers and farmers.
According to Sherrill, her executive order will help clear the pathway of red tape as state officials try to mobilize a “whole-of-government recovery effort” out of Trenton.
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn said the order will also open the door for immediate financial assistance to tree fruit and berry growers – while laying the groundwork for broader relief ahead.
“New Jersey's agricultural sector is a vital engine of our economy; it is the very reason we bear the name the Garden State,” Sherrill said. “Our farming families are hurting, and I won’t stand by and let it happen.”
Wednesday’s executive order impacts all 21 counties.
Sherrill said she has also requested a disaster designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would unlock critical federal relief for stricken farmers.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey supported the request, saying that the freeze was unlike anything our growers have experienced in decades.
“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,” Booker said.
Sherrill has also declared a state of emergency over rising energy costs in New Jersey. She recently lifted a four decade-old ban on building new nuclear power plants as part of her plan to lower utility bills.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Montclair, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.