Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 6 that New York State is seeking a United States Department of Agriculture Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County. The request follows heavy snowfall and extended severe freeze conditions in February, which caused significant damage to aquaculture grower operations with estimated losses totaling $2.4 million.
A disaster designation would allow affected farms to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans, providing financial relief to producers impacted by the harsh winter weather. The shellfish aquaculture industry is a key part of New York’s agricultural sector and coastal economy, largely consisting of small and family-owned businesses that support regional seafood production and employment.
“With freezing temperatures that lasted for several weeks, the Long Island coast saw ice conditions like they haven’t experienced in years, leading to a halt in operations and damage to equipment that will cost the aquaculture industry millions of dollars,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge the USDA to take swift action to declare Suffolk County a disaster area and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward.”
According to state officials, prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and extensive ice formation prevented oyster farmers from accessing growing areas or conducting normal harvesting operations. Ice blocked access routes across bays and waterways for extended periods, damaging gear, vessels, and farm infrastructure. Industry surveys estimate many growers are facing more than a 30 percent loss in production with repair costs approaching $2.4 million.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said: “Our shellfish growers depend on being able to move through the waters to harvest their crops and in February, with ice as thick as it was, they were not only not able to harvest their crops, but they also saw critical equipment severely damaged, costing them millions of dollars. I am thankful to the Governor for this request and appreciate the USDA’s consideration to move ahead with a disaster declaration to provide some financial relief to area farmers.” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton added: “Recent prolonged winter conditions have devastated shellfish aquaculture populations across Long Island’s coastal waters and impacted growers who rely on these resources for their livelihoods… DEC remains committed to working with our partners and the industry to gather the fishery revenue information needed…”
If granted by USDA authorities, eligible farm operators will be able apply for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency within eight months from any official declaration.