Maryland’s farms face tough times after late frost and dry spells

Spring in Maryland usually means fresh crops and busy farms, but this year the season brought trouble instead. A sudden cold snap in late April froze much of the state’s grapevines, wiping out over 70% of the harvest at one winery. That single event could cost Maryland winemakers millions, with experts calling the damage “generational. ” At the same time, most of the state is stuck in a drought that makes life even harder for farmers raising livestock and growing feed.State leaders aren’t waiting for things to improve on their own. Governor Moore signed orders to speed up aid for growers, cut red tape on disaster loans, and create teams to help farms plan for the future. They’re also pushing local businesses and families to buy Maryland-made food to keep money flowing back to rural communities. But even with these moves, recovery won’t be quick. Farmers still have bills to pay while they wait for plants to grow back, and recovery could take years. The new rules also ask state agencies to fast-track water permits so growers can access what they need during dry spells. A separate team will look at how rules might be changed to better support farms in future emergencies. While the state tries to act fast, the real test will be whether these steps reach struggling producers before more damage is done.