In brief: Unseasonably cold weekend destroys Alabama crops
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
Alabama agricultural officials say a recent spring freeze destroyed up to $75 million in crops, including nearly all the fruit north of Birmingham and most of the peaches in Chilton and Autauga counties.
State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks said his agency is seeking to help state farmers secure federal aid for the damage done by freezing overnight temperatures over the weekend of April 6-8.
He said the economic ripple effect of the freeze could reach $150 million to $300 million statewide, based on early loss estimates.
"We know we had losses throughout the state, but in many places it's a 20 percent loss. Here it is a total loss," Riley said in a statement. "We will work with officials on all levels to see what kind of disaster help we can get for Alabama farmers and how fast we can get it."
-Associated Press
State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks said his agency is seeking to help state farmers secure federal aid for the damage done by freezing overnight temperatures over the weekend of April 6-8.
He said the economic ripple effect of the freeze could reach $150 million to $300 million statewide, based on early loss estimates.
"We know we had losses throughout the state, but in many places it's a 20 percent loss. Here it is a total loss," Riley said in a statement. "We will work with officials on all levels to see what kind of disaster help we can get for Alabama farmers and how fast we can get it."
-Associated Press
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