USDA Approves Disaster Declaration Following Late-April Freeze

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Maryland’s request for a federal disaster declaration after a late-April freeze caused widespread damage to the state’s agricultural sector, officials announced Monday. The decision follows extensive assessments by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, which documented losses across fruit orchards, vegetable farms, and livestock operations—particularly in the state’s Eastern Shore and central regions—where temperatures plummeted below freezing for multiple days in late April.

According to the USDA’s official announcement, the freeze—unusual for the region’s typical spring climate—destroyed up to 30% of Maryland’s apple crop, a key economic driver for the state’s orchards, and severely impacted strawberry, peach, and blueberry harvests. Livestock producers also reported losses from frozen feed and disrupted calving seasons. Governor Wes Moore’s office confirmed the state had submitted the disaster declaration request on May 12, citing preliminary estimates of $50 million in agricultural losses across 12 counties.

Why was Maryland’s request granted?
The USDA’s approval hinges on two key factors: the severity of the freeze and the state’s demonstrated need for federal aid. Maryland’s Farm Service Agency director, Sarah Jenkins, told reporters the freeze “hit at the most vulnerable stage of the growing season,” when many crops were in bloom or early fruit development. Jenkins noted that while similar freezes have occurred in other states—such as Texas in 2023 and South Carolina in 2024—Maryland’s damage was compounded by the region’s reliance on small-scale fruit and vegetable farms, many of which lack the financial buffers of larger operations.

What assistance will farmers receive?
Under the disaster declaration, qualifying Maryland farmers can apply for low-interest loans and cost-share programs through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Eligible producers include those who lost crops, livestock, or infrastructure due to the freeze. The agency will begin accepting applications June 20, with priority given to operations in Worcester, Somerset, Talbot, and Queen Anne’s counties, where damage assessments were most severe. A USDA spokesperson emphasized that aid will focus on recovery costs, not replacing lost revenue, though some programs may offer partial compensation for perishable crops like strawberries.

How does this compare to other states’ freeze disasters?
Maryland’s approval follows a pattern of federal relief for agricultural disasters triggered by late-season cold snaps. In Texas in 2023, the USDA declared disasters in 78 counties after a February freeze caused $3.6 billion in losses, primarily to citrus and cattle industries. South Carolina received a similar declaration in 2024 after a late-March freeze devastated peach orchards, with farmers there reporting $40 million in damages. However, Maryland’s case stands out for its timing: the freeze occurred in late April, when many crops were already in critical stages of growth, and for the state’s concentration of small farms, which often lack the resources to absorb such losses without federal support.

What’s next for Maryland farmers?
The USDA has directed its Maryland office to expedite damage assessments in the coming weeks, with final aid determinations expected by late July. Farmers are advised to submit applications as soon as possible, as funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The governor’s office has also launched a hotline (1-800-MD-FARMS) for producers seeking guidance on eligibility and application processes. Meanwhile, agricultural extension agents in affected counties are hosting free workshops to help farmers navigate the claims process, with the first sessions scheduled for June 25.

Key figures from the USDA’s disaster declaration:

• Affected counties: 12 (Worcester, Somerset, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Dorchester, Caroline, Kent, Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, Howard, Frederick)
• Estimated losses: $50 million (preliminary)
• Crop impacts: 30% of apple crop destroyed; severe damage to strawberries, peaches, and blueberries
• Livestock effects: Frozen feed supplies, disrupted calving seasons
• Application deadline: Ongoing (priority for early submissions)
• Funding source: USDA Farm Service Agency disaster programs

For farmers seeking immediate assistance, the USDA’s Maryland office has compiled a list of local resources, including emergency feed programs and temporary labor support. The full disaster declaration and application guidelines are available on the USDA Maryland FSA website.