Maryland's Spring Freeze Wipes Out Crops, Triggers USDA Disaster Aid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for Maryland following a severe spring freeze. The mid-April cold snap caused widespread crop losses, with temperatures plunging into the low 20s after weeks of unusually warm weather. The declaration covers 12 counties designated as primary natural disaster areas. Early on 21 April, a sudden drop in temperature destroyed crops across Maryland. The freeze hit while the state was already under severe drought conditions, worsening the impact on farms. Losses included 94% of apple crops, 99% of peach crops, and 98% of barley crops in some areas.

The Maryland Wineries Association reported $2.4 million in losses for local vineyards. Gov. Wes Moore requested the disaster declaration after describing the damage to fruit trees and grapevines as catastrophic. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins noted that production losses for six other counties could not be assessed immediately.

The declaration enables eligible farmers to access low-interest emergency loans and credit extensions. According to the governor’s office, the programme will help cover production costs and safeguard thousands of agricultural jobs. The USDA’s declaration provides financial relief to affected producers. It follows a freeze that pushed crop losses beyond the 30% threshold required for federal assistance. Farmers in the designated counties can now apply for support to recover from the damage.