Overview
- Governor Mikie Sherrill issued a statewide emergency on May 20 after preliminary state assessments put crop losses at at least $300 million.
- The damage followed an unusual mid‑April swing when a two‑day heat spike pushed trees and berries into bloom and hard freezes from April 19–22 killed blossoms and young fruit.
- State and county Farm Service Agency reviews show more than 30% crop loss in many areas and some growers reporting near‑total losses of specific commodities.
- The losses span peaches, apples, cherries, pears, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, plums and barley, threatening pick‑your‑own operations, processors and farm income.
- New Jersey officials have requested a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation and continue damage tallies with federal review pending, a step that determines eligibility for emergency relief and loan programs.