Official Site of The State of New Jersey

TRENTON – Governor Sherrill declared New Jersey in a State of Emergency, effective immediately, following the conclusion of loss assessments conducted to evaluate agricultural damages from prolonged freezing temperatures that impacted the State between April 19 and April 22. The assessments, compiled by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Farm Service Agency County Committees, indicate farm crop damage exceeding thirty percent in many areas of the State, with some growers anticipating 100% losses for certain crops. Early estimates suggest at least $300 million in total crop losses for growers and farmers. 

The losses stem from a cold snap following a heat wave that struck crops precisely at a critical developmental stage, resulting in severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit. The State of Emergency enacts sweeping interagency coordination focused on alleviating further financial losses for those impacted, while underscoring the need for federal support the Governor has outlined. 

With the signing of Executive Order No. 18, declaring a State of Emergency across all 21 counties, Governor Sherrill is taking action to preserve farm operations, stabilize local economies, and protect New Jersey's agricultural capacity for future seasons.  

“New Jersey's agricultural sector is a vital engine of our economy; it is the very reason we bear the name the Garden State. The April freeze caused serious damage to our growers, and those losses demand decisive action,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “This executive order mobilizes a whole-of-government recovery effort out of Trenton, cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating results for impacted farmers and families. Our farming families are hurting, and I won’t stand by and let it happen.” 

“Governor Sherrill’s declaration of a State of Emergency sends a clear message that New Jersey stands behind its farming community in the wake of the April freeze,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “This executive order cuts through bureaucracy and opens the door to immediate assistance for our tree fruit and berry growers, while laying the groundwork for broader relief ahead. As our farmers work to recover, we encourage New Jerseyans to continue supporting them by buying local. When the state and federal government move together, our farmers are stronger for it.” 

The Executive Order declares a State of Emergency across New Jersey in response to the severe agricultural losses across many different crops. Recognizing the Statewide impact of this event and its evolving downstream impacts to our communities, this declaration ensures a coordinated statewide response, empowers the State to identify barriers to an effective response and recovery, and grants temporary regulatory flexibility to facilitate recovery efforts.  

The extent of the damages is preliminary and the impacts from this event are still evolving.  

For a copy of Executive Order No.18, click here.