The Benson Place 2023 Crop Loss

On May 18th, our region experienced a hard frost that was especially devastating for fruit growers in our area. Reportedly, it was the most severe late-spring frost in our town in over 50 years. Sadly, our fields, which were in full bloom, turned from their beautiful pinky-white to brown overnight. Unfortunately, we lost over 95% of this year's wild blueberry crop.

Due to the scale of this loss, it will be extremely challenging to keep the farm in operation for the next twelve months. We’ve tightened our operating budget by 40% for our Aug ’23 – July’24 budget year. Our crop insurance payment will cover approximately 20% of this reduced budget. At this time there are no federal or state relief packages for farmers affected by the frost. And with the tight margins inherent in small-scale farming, it is not financially feasible for us to take out large loans.

To those who feel connected to this land and value having access to the organic wild blueberries grown here, please consider helping us keep going with a financial donation. In order to sustain our farm for the coming year, we ask for your help with closing the financial gap of $46,500 in our ‘23-‘24 reduced operating budget. 

As we navigate the realm of insurance formulas and the probabilities of government relief packages, we are humbled by the realization that human connection and a community that depends on and supports each other is the only thing that will really help us all get through in the face of a total loss such as this. We hope to continue our work of providing you with the little blue gems that grow on this beautiful hillside for many years into the future.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Meredith and Andrew