Freeze Damage Statewide: $112 million

Last weekend’s subfreezing temperatures caused an estimated $111.7 million in crop losses in North Carolina, based on initial reports from all 100 counties. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said yesterday, "It could be days, even weeks, before we know the true extent of the damage.”  The preliminary damage estimate comes from flash reports submitted by U.S. Farm Service Agency offices in counties across North Carolina.

According to the flash reports, nursery crops suffered the highest losses, $57.9 million. Fruits and vegetables, which include apples, peaches and various berries, suffered estimated losses of $26.5 million. Other crops affected by the freeze included corn, wheat, barley and Irish potatoes.