East End farmers eligible for federal disaster loans after April freeze damaged crops

East End farmers who saw a spring freeze damage budding crops now have a federal lifeline.

Suffolk County was included in a U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster declaration covering damage caused by frost and freezing temperatures from April 19 to 21, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Saturday.

The designation allows eligible farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

Apples, grapes, strawberries and stone fruits such as peaches, plums and cherries were among the crops damaged across New York. An unusually warm start to spring caused some crops to bud early before temperatures plunged below freezing.

Growers who reported damage to the state estimated combined losses exceeding $30 million, with individual operations losing anywhere from 15% to an entire crop. The state did not provide a Suffolk-specific estimate.

“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year, with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Gov. Hochul said.

For the county’s agricultural industry, the declaration brings a second round of federal disaster relief this year. East End oyster growers became eligible for assistance in May after a prolonged winter freeze destroyed equipment and wiped out more than 30% of the inventory at some operations.

Farmers have eight months from the declaration date to apply and must meet federal eligibility requirements. Applications and additional information are available through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.