Alabama Specialty Crop Producers are being encouraged by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to report damage caused by recent freeze events to their local FSA Offices.
According to the department, “Initial reports from farmers indicate early-season fruit crops were among the hardest hit. Producers in several regions have reported significant losses to early varieties of peaches and plums, while some blueberry varieties also experienced damage. Strawberries and satsumas appear to have largely avoided major impacts, though some growers noted minor bloom loss.”
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate said, “Freeze events like the one we experienced last week can have a serious impact on Alabama’s specialty crop growers. We strongly encourage producers who experienced damage to contact their local FSA office and report those losses. The reports help ensure we have the information needed to support our farmers and pursue any available federal disaster assistance funds.”
The department said they are working with USDA Farm Service Agency to monitor conditions and assist producers with the full extent of the damage from these events may taking several days or weeks before they can be determined.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.