Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday that he submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a federal agriculture disaster declaration.
This request follows significant crop damage across the state’s eight counties due to sub-freezing temperatures earlier in the month.
Lamont noted that some farms experienced temperatures in the mid to low 20s for up to five hours.
“We are expecting additional losses to continue for the next several weeks as these crops uncover more damage post-freeze. Farms are small businesses that not only provide the food we eat but are also responsible for employing a significant number of workers and generating economic activity. The approval of this declaration will help these farmers continue supporting their businesses, as well as the many jobs they provide,” Lamont said.
Should the request be approved, farmers would be eligible for disaster relief programs, such as emergency loans, to help cover the cost of damages.
