Governor Sherrill Declares a State of Emergency Following Sweeping Agricultural Losses

May 20, 2026 | nj.gov

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.

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NJ SEED: Agriculture is New Jersey’s third-largest industry, generating approximately $1.5 billion in annual revenue and representing 1.2 percent of the state’s total GDP. The sector employs more than 25,000 people. NJ SEED applauds the governor’s efforts to bring relief to the state’s agricultural community. Her appeal to the US Department of Agriculture for disaster relief is an appropriate move.