South Carolina Farmers Estimate Minimal Crop Loss From Freeze
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contacts: Clint Leach, 803-734-2191, jcleach@scda.sc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 8, 2019
South Carolina Farmers Estimate Minimal Crop Loss From Freeze
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Earlier this week, temperatures dipped below freezing temperatures on two consecutive nights, and now farmers are beginning crop damage assessments, primarily with peaches, blueberries and strawberries.
Numerous members of the agricultural industry are meeting around-the-clock to discuss the severity of the damage to these specialty crops, which were in early bloom due to an unseasonably warm past few weeks. Currently, initial assessments point to minimal damage to South Carolina crops.
“As we continue assessing crop damage, we pray for our farmers and thank them for working to mitigate crop losses from the freeze. Farming in South Carolina has been difficult the past few years because of numerous natural disasters, but our farmers remain resilient and passionate about our industry,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture.
“During these challenging times, we thank farmers for all they do in providing our state and nation with a safe and stable food supply, which often times goes unnoticed.”
Throughout the next few weeks, we will continue to update as information becomes available.
For more information about South Carolina agriculture, visit agriculture.sc.gov.
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South Carolina Farmers Estimate Minimal Crop Loss From Freeze Press Release (PDF)