Booker Helps Secure USDA Disaster Designation, Unlocking Federal Relief for New Jersey Farmers Impacted by April Freeze

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s June 8, 2026, disaster designation for New Jersey counties following catastrophic crop losses caused by an unprecedented April freeze. The designation comes after Booker led a letter to the agency urging swift approval of New Jersey's emergency declaration request. In his letter, Booker noted that a freeze of this severity has not occurred in decades, resulting in extensive to near-total crop losses for farmers across New Jersey and leaving growers facing devastating financial strain. The USDA disaster designation will unlock low-interest emergency loans for farmers.

"I'm thankful that the USDA finally approved New Jersey's disaster declaration, recognizing the dire situation facing farmers across our state. While this is an important first step, our farmers are still desperate for more support. I will fight for additional resources to ensure Garden State growers can recover quickly from this severe disaster," said Senator Booker.

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Booker, Kim Urge USDA to Approve Disaster Designation for Devastating April Freeze in New Jersey