USDA Grants Suffolk County Disaster Relief for Oyster Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County following a winter that caused significant damage to the county's aquaculture industry, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday. Heavy snowfall, prolonged freezing temperatures and extensive ice formation across coastal waters in February 2026 prevented oyster farmers from accessing shellfish-growing areas and conducting normal harvesting operations. Growers face an estimated combined $2.4 million in losses, Hochul said. The designation, granted after Hochul formally requested it from the USDA, allows affected farms in Suffolk County and contiguous Nassau County to apply for disaster assistance and low-interest emergency loans. "Early last month, I urged the USDA to take swift action to declare Suffolk County a disaster area and help our aquaculture growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward," Hochul said. "With this Secretarial Disaster Declaration, the producers who have seen economic loss can now take advantage of low-interest loans to help ensure they're able to sustain their operations." A survey conducted by industry partners and local officials estimated that many growers are facing more than a 30 percent loss in production. Those reporting damage to racks, lines and vessels face estimated repair and replacement costs totaling $2,396,500, according to Hochul's office. Ice accumulation across bays and waterways blocked access to vessels and aquaculture sites for extended periods and caused damage to aquaculture gear, vessels and farm infrastructure. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said the damage was unprecedented. "I am thankful to the governor for her ongoing support of the industry and request to the USDA for this Secretarial Disaster Declaration," Ball said. "By elevating our concerns to the USDA, our growers will now have access to emergency loans that will offer financial relief to area farmers." Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine also expressed support for the declaration. State Agriculture Commissioner Ball and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton toured impacted businesses on Long Island on April 8 to assess the extent of the damage, the governor's office said.