State Lawmakers Consider Emergency-Relief Fund for Farmers

State lawmakers are proposing an $8-million-dollar emergency relief fund for New Hampshire farmers.

Officials say the proposed measure comes in response to February’s deep freeze that reportedly decimated peach, sweet cherry, and plum yields; a May frost that impacted Granite State orchards; and record-breaking rainfall over the summer that devastated fruit and vegetable growers.

The relief money reportedly would be distributed to farmers who suffered crop losses of at least 30%.

Farmers could qualify for up to 50% reimbursement for their losses, capped at $500,000.