New Jersey declared a State of Emergency on May 20, 2026, and requested a federal Disaster designation after freezing temperatures between April 19 and 22 caused widespread agricultural damage across the state during a critical growing stage. Early estimates place losses at more than USD 300 million.

A State of Emergency was declared for New Jersey on May 20 due to the freezing temperatures that impacted the state between April 19 and 22, causing sweeping agricultural losses across the state.

In mid-April 2026, New Jersey experienced an unusual weather sequence that devastated the agricultural sector. A prolonged warm spell pushed temperatures above 32.2°C (90°F) in some areas, causing fruit trees and crops to flower earlier than normal.

That warm period was immediately followed by a sharp temperature drop, with lows below -6.7°C (20°F) recorded across parts of the state between April 19 and 22. The timing was particularly destructive, as crops were at a critical developmental stage when the freeze hit, damaging blossoms and newly forming fruit.

“The damage was widespread, affecting peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, and other crops across the entire state. Some farmers reported losses approaching or exceeding 90%. In several regions, the losses may prove season-ending for key fruit crops,” New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said.

The emergency declaration allows for interagency coordination to minimize the financial harm and stabilize local economies.

The governor has also requested a “Disaster” designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to qualify for further federal assistance.

“Loss assessments reviewed by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture confirm damage exceeding the 30% crop-loss disaster threshold required to qualify for federal assistance,” Sherrill said.

Early estimates suggest that at least USD 300 million worth of crops have been lost. Many areas saw more than 30% crop damage, with some growers expecting losses of up to 100% for certain crops, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Farm Service Agency County Committees.

“This freeze was unlike anything our growers have experienced in decades, and the damage is staggering. An entire season of peaches, apples, and grapes was almost entirely decimated in a matter of hours. Many other fruits are also suffering significant losses,” Senator Cory Booker said.

“The devastating spring freeze in April hit our farmers hard, especially as they continue to face increasing financial pressures from inflation and rising fuel and operating costs,” Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, chair of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, said.

“This Secretarial Disaster Designation would provide desperately needed relief to the Garden State farming community, helping these essential businesses recover their losses and continue the vital operations on which we all depend,” Perez added.

Source - https://watchers.news