USDA Grants Disaster Designation to All 21 New Jersey Counties Following Devastating April Freeze
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By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO), NEW JERSEY — Farmers across New Jersey are now eligible for federal disaster assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a disaster designation covering all 21 counties in response to the devastating April freeze that caused millions of dollars in crop losses.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that the designation follows her request to the USDA and a coordinated effort involving state and federal lawmakers advocating for relief on behalf of New Jersey’s agricultural community.
The April cold snap damaged crops and threatened the livelihoods of farmers throughout the state. The USDA designation officially recognizes the event as a natural disaster and opens access to low-interest emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), providing a critical lifeline for affected farms.
“For a family farm, the difference between a lost season and a fresh start often comes down to whether help arrives in time,” Governor Sherrill said.
The Governor also urged residents to support local agriculture by purchasing products from nearby farms and farm stands.
“Every dollar spent at a New Jersey farm stand is a vote of confidence in the people who feed us,” she said.
The designation represents the first step in a broader recovery effort aimed at helping farms recover from weather-related losses while ensuring the long-term stability of New Jersey’s agricultural sector.
Farmers impacted by the freeze are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to learn about available emergency loan programs and recovery assistance.
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“Readers can view Governor Sherrill’s letter requesting federal assistance through the Governor’s Office website.”
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Source: Office of the Governor and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photo Credit: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill
