NH opens $8 million crop loss program for farmers impacted by extreme weather

New Hampshire farmers can now apply for a share of an $8 million relief program to assist with significant crop loss as a result of extreme weather conditions last year.

The Crop Loss Program, housed in the state’s Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, began accepting applications on March 1. Designed in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, the program utilizes repurposed American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“New Hampshire’s farmers do grueling work every day to provide food for Granite Staters,” said Shawn Jasper, commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food. “This program will make resources available immediately to provide producers with the resources needed to jumpstart a successful growing season.”

Following bouts of extreme weather and low temperatures last year, UNH Cooperative Extension conducted surveys showing that fruit growers lost virtually their entire peach crop. Following that loss was a late freeze that also destroyed a significant portion of the state’s apple crop, and farms then saw additional losses throughout the growing season due to an overabundance of rain.

The Crop Loss Program is open to any farm that suffered at least a 30% loss of any commodity, had a gross farm income of at least $30,000 in the previous three years, and has neither closed nor is currently in bankruptcy.

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The state will review applications weekly to expedite funding to farms. All applications, which can be completed at agriculture.nh.gov, must be received by Wednesday, May 15, at which time the total losses will be evaluated.

“Last year’s brutal cold snap, late freeze, and overabundance of rain took its toll on crops across the Granite State,” said Gov. Chris Sununu. “New Hampshire is wasting no time in ensuring our farmers receive relief to jumpstart the 2024 growing season following significant crop losses last year.”

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Hadley Barndollar covers climate, environment, and inequality for the New Hampshire Bulletin. Previously, she was the New England regional reporter for the USA TODAY Network and was named Reporter of the Year by the New England Newspaper and Press Association. Email hbarndollar@newhampshirebulletin.com. To learn more, visit newhampshirebulletin.com.