Statement by Governor Sherrill on Securing Federal Disaster Designation for New Jersey
June 11, 2026, 4:27 pm | in
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2026
Statement by Governor Sherrill on Securing Federal Disaster Designation for New Jersey
"Federal relief is now within reach for New Jersey farmers.
"After an April cold snap dealt millions of dollars in losses to farms across our state, I declared a State of Emergency and wrote to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urging a Disaster Designation for New Jersey. Through a whole-of-government recovery effort, we secured it for all 21 counties.
"This designation makes New Jersey farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency, a critical first step toward recovering from their crop losses. For a family farm, the difference between a lost season and a fresh start often comes down to whether help arrives in time.
"But government cannot do this alone. Now we must stand behind our farming community. Visit a nearby farm. Buy local. Show up for your neighbors. Every dollar spent at a New Jersey farm stand is a vote of confidence in the people who feed us.
"We will keep cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating results for the farmers and families who were hit. We got right to work, and we will keep working until our farmers are back on their feet."
To better understand the significance of this designation, additional background is provided below:
Following Governor Sherrill’s efforts to secure federal support, alongside advocacy by state and federal lawmakers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved New Jersey’s request for a disaster designation in response to the devasting April freeze that significantly impacted the state’s agricultural community.
A USDA Disaster Designation is an official recognition that an area has suffered a catastrophic natural disaster that severely impacts farmers. The request was reinforced by a letter from Governor Sherrill and state and federal lawmakers urging federal action to support those affected.
The designation, issued by the USDA Secretary, declares New Jersey a natural disaster area and enables farmers affected by the freeze to access emergency credit through USDA programs to support recovery efforts.
