This summer’s fruit harvest might be smaller and pricier than usual

Farmers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are bracing for a tough season ahead. After a sudden heatwave in mid-April followed by unexpected freezes just days later, many fruit crops are struggling to recover. Peaches, apples, and even some berries were hit hard, with some farms losing most of their produce in a brutal one-two punch of weather. The damage isn’t just local. From Virginia to New York, growers faced similar struggles. April’s wild temperature swings tricked plants into blooming early, only to be destroyed by freezing nights soon after. Now, experts say the losses could top hundreds of millions of dollars across the region. Both states have asked the federal government for help to cover the costs. Not all crops suffered equally. Strawberries had a fighting chance thanks to growers who used water to shield them from the cold. But peaches and apples, which were just starting to form, faced heavy damage. Some orchards might only produce a fraction of their usual harvest, meaning fewer fresh fruits at the market and higher prices when they do appear.The timing of the freeze made it especially destructive. Warm weather in April isn’t rare, but following it with such a deep freeze is unusual. Normally, plants wouldn’t be fooled into blooming so early, but this year’s heat jump-started the growing season too soon. Now, growers are left wondering how long it will take for their orchards to bounce back—or if some plants will recover at all. Consumers might notice the difference at the store. If you love fresh local peaches or apples this year, expect to pay more—or maybe find fewer options. Some farms have already warned customers about smaller harvests and rising costs. Still, farmers are doing what they can to adapt, like replanting crops or adjusting their pricing.