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Board hears report that peach crop reduced to 10%–15% after late freeze
Summary
A board member reported peach yields at roughly 10%–15% of normal after a recent freeze and noted apple insurance coverage differences; members discussed joint PR/advertising to attract city visitors to Hudson Valley farms.
S. Soons reported to the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board that cold weather caused severe damage to stone fruit on her farm: "the peaches on her farm are at 10% to 15% of the normal crop due to the freeze." She said the impact on apples is still being determined and that she carries insurance for apples but cannot obtain insurance for peaches in this area. Soons said she can grow cut flowers and early pumpkins to offset losses but was unsure how other area farmers fared.
Soons proposed exploring a joint public-relations or advertising fund across counties to promote Hudson Valley farms and encourage City visitors to continue patronizing local farms despite the freeze-related shortfalls. She said she will reach out to other fruit farmers to coordinate responses; the board discussed options but took no formal action.
