Overview
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a Secretarial Disaster Declaration Monday that lets affected Maryland producers apply to the Farm Service Agency for low-interest emergency loans and credit assistance.
- State assessments found catastrophic damage from a sudden April 21 freeze that hit crops during early growth, producing localized losses that exceeded the roughly 30% threshold for federal disaster aid.
- The Maryland Farm Service Agency reported extreme losses in some areas, including about 94% of apples, 99% of peaches and 98% of barley, and the Maryland Wineries Association said wineries face millions of dollars in lost revenue.
- Twelve counties were named primary natural disaster areas and eligible for FSA help while six additional counties remain under review as damage assessments continue and could be added later.
- Officials warned recovery for perennial crops will take multiple years and urged impacted growers to contact their county FSA office to review eligibility and begin loan applications.