12 Maryland counties declared disaster zones following devastating spring freeze

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 12 Maryland counties as primary natural disaster areas following a late-April freeze that caused significant crop losses. Growers are now eligible for emergency loan assistance through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The primary disaster declaration covers Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington, and Wicomico counties.

Image courtesy of Ben Butler. | Butler's Orchard.

The frost reduced production across affected operations by an average of 67.5 percent, according to data collected by the Maryland Farm Bureau (MDFB). However, some operations reported losses of 90 percent or more.

FSA emergency loans can help producers recover from weather-related losses by providing financing for needs such as replacing equipment, reorganizing farm operations, and refinancing certain debts.

“Since the days immediately following the late April frost, Maryland Farm Bureau has constantly stressed the need for assistance for our hardworking farmers who were affected by this extreme weather event,” said MDFB President Jamie Raley. “We are grateful to the USDA and our partners in government for giving our farmers this much-needed relief and security for them to keep going.”

Data-backed disaster declaration

The Farm Bureau launched a statewide damage assessment immediately after the April 21 weather event. It used the findings to support a formal petition sent on May 14 to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting an expedited disaster declaration.

Governor Wes Moore (D) and Maryland’s congressional delegation later submitted similar requests. MDFB also supported state directives issued on May 24 that included relief measures for growers.

Image courtesy of Lisa Gaver. | Gaver Farms.

During the recovery effort, MDFB encouraged growers to report losses to local FSA offices and worked to raise awareness of the freeze’s impact.

Producers in contiguous counties—including Allegany, Anne Arundel, Harford, Kent, Prince George’s, Talbot, Worcester, and Baltimore City—may also qualify for assistance.

Eligible growers can contact their local FSA office to begin the application process.

MDFB represents more than 7,000 member families.

*Top photo courtesy of Ben Butler. | Butler's Orchard.

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