Governor Spanberger Calls for Expedited Federal Support for Virginia Farmers Impacted by Frost and Freeze Disasters

RICHMOND, VA - In response to devastating spring frost and freeze events that impacted crops across the Commonwealth, Governor Abigail Spanberger this week issued a request to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins, urging the federal government to expedite disaster assistance for Virginia farmers affected by the unseasonable cold.

Virginia saw several weeks of warm weather in the early spring that pushed shoots, buds, and blossoms on fruits, vines, and ornamental trees, and promoted development in small grain crops. Following this warm period, the Commonwealth saw widespread freezing temperatures, with some areas recording temperatures in the 20s across multiple nights in March and April. According to reports provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), losses are well above the 30 percent disaster trigger as a result of these freezing temperatures, with some growers anticipating a 100 percent loss.

Preliminary VCE direct loss estimates for commodities impacted by the March and April 2026 freeze events are in the range of $32.4 million to $105.3 million pending further developments. When future income and ripple effect losses are eventually incorporated, total losses are expected to be exponentially higher.

"As a result of the unseasonable cold impacting farms across Virginia, Virginia farmers are facing catastrophic crop losses through no fault of their own and are in desperate need of a federal disaster declaration to receive immediate assistance," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "While we continue to identify state resources at our disposal to assist our farmers and growers, I've called on USDA to declare a Secretarial Disaster Designation to make sure farmers receive the assistance and support they need to recover and keep their operations viable until the next crop year. We look forward to working with our federal partners to make sure these farmers receive the support they need."

Following the freeze events, the Spanberger Administration has directly engaged with farmers, agriculture associations, and Extension agents across the Commonwealth as well as the Virginia USDA Farm Service Agency to gather and document damage and losses, share resources and guidance, and understand the immediate and the long-term impacts of this weather event.

"The Spanberger Administration places a priority on the viability of Virginia's agriculture and forestry industries, and on the farm families who keep these operations running even in the most challenging years," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. "I have personally heard from farmers who said this is the worst freeze event of their lifetime. For many impacted farmers, they will lose an entire crop and a year of income. Collaboration between state and federal partners is critical to ensuring resources are made available to help farmers recover and make plans for next season."

"While these losses are difficult for an industry already experiencing increased economic stressors, Virginia growers and winemakers are resilient," said Virginia Vineyards Association President AJ Greely. "While fewer grapes will be grown in 2026, and less wine made, the Virginia Vineyards Association is working with the Governor and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as other state agencies and partners to address the losses felt by Virginia's grape growers. We will use this weather event to focus our research and educational efforts on vineyard techniques and varietals to better prepare for the future health of Virginia Vineyards."

"Many of Virginia's apple and peach orchards experienced significant crop loss during these two cold events. They have never seen orchards so void of fruit that some blocks will not even be picked," said Glaize Apples Owner Phil Glaize, Jr. "However, Virginia fruit growers are used to weather adversities. Growers know how to tighten belts and look for ways to mitigate damage which is beyond their control. With support from associated industries, dedicated employees, and federal and state agriculture agencies, the Virginia apple industry will come through this stronger than ever."

Agriculture is Virginia's largest private industry. Major crop losses have occurred in fruit crops including apples, grapes, peaches, berries, cherries, and others. Small grains, nursery, and forestry operations have reported similar damages. Losses to these crops will impact growers directly and will have secondary impacts to processors, packers, retailers, and agritourism operations that rely on Virginia agriculture.

# # #