Weeks of unrelenting rain in May have cut short strawberry season in South Jersey, dealing a blow to one of the state’s signature crops.
According to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer, a rainy stretch that began May 13 brought conditions ripe for fungal disease and fruit spoilage. While the showers were welcome after a dry spring, the timing was disastrous for growers whose berries were reaching maturity.
The excess moisture caused fruit to overripen and kept customers away. Springdale Farm Market in Cherry Hill and Stella Farms in Camden County both ended their seasons early.
Strawberries are an early-season cash crop for New Jersey growers, second only to asparagus in the growing calendar. The crop’s short season typically runs mid-May through mid-June and contributes an estimated $25 million to the state’s agricultural economy, according to industry data cited by The Inquirer.
Despite the challenges, 100% of the crop was not lost, but the damage during the crop’s peak window was significant.
Across the river, Pennsylvania farms fared better. Cooler conditions delayed ripening there, sparing the fruit from the worst effects of the rain. Fields in Chester and Lancaster Counties were still producing as of early June.
Some Jersey farms remain open, though supply is limited. Customers are encouraged to call ahead and check forecasts before visiting.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.