Moore Seeks Disaster Declaration for Maryland Freeze

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is asking the federal government to declare April’s freeze a disaster after the cold snap caused heavy damage to crops across the state, including grapes used by wineries that are now facing steep losses and uncertain production for the 2026 vintage.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Moore said the drop in temperature in April led to catastrophic damage in several parts of Maryland, with losses reported in apple orchards, peach farms and barley fields. He said growers are still paying for labor, maintenance and other costs even though much of the crop was destroyed before harvest.

For grape growers, Moore said the damage has created about $4.2 million in costs tied to keeping vines healthy despite the loss of fruit. The Maryland Wineries Association has estimated more than $24 million in projected wine sales were lost because of the frost’s effect on grapes.

Moore is seeking the disaster declaration so farmers can qualify for emergency loans and other federal relief programs. In his letter, he said quick action is needed to give producers enough stability to recover from the freeze and prepare for the next growing season.

The request comes as Maryland’s wine industry and other farm sectors try to assess how much of this year’s crop can still be salvaged and how much financial strain will carry into next year. For wineries, the losses could affect supply, cash flow and pricing well beyond this season, especially if vineyards must absorb another year of reduced production while still covering the cost of maintaining perennial vines.