As the spring growing season approaches, Rhode Island farmers continue to recover from the devastating impact of the Blizzard of ’26, which brought record snowfall and widespread agricultural damage across the state.
According to reports from mid-April 2026, the storm dumped 68.5 inches of snow between December and February, with a major blizzard on February 22 and 23 delivering over three feet of snow in a single event. The combination of heavy snow weight and strong winds caused significant structural damage to farms, particularly to greenhouses and seasonal high tunnels essential for early-season crop production.
Greenhouse Collapses Disrupt Early Planting
Shelley Pezza, co-owner of Pezza Farm and Garden Center in East Greenwich and Johnston, reported losing three greenhouses to the storm, setting back operations significantly. “We lost three greenhouses,” Pezza said. “It’s setting us back incredibly.” One greenhouse alone requires a total rebuild estimated at $40,000, though it was insured for only $12,000, leaving a substantial gap in coverage.
These structures are critical for farmers who start plants like vegetables, herbs, and flowers indoors to meet early spring demand. Customers expect geraniums and other plants by May, necessitating early greenhouse propagation.
Livestock Losses and Barn Damage
Beyond crop infrastructure, the blizzard took a toll on livestock and animal housing. Wild Harmony Farm in Exeter reported that the roof of its hog barn collapsed during the storm, killing a pregnant sow. Co-owner Ben Coerper noted the farm had never experienced such heavy snow before, estimating damages at around $20,000.
Candace Clavin of Water Way Lavender Farm in Barrington indicated that some of her farm’s older perennial lavender plants—some a decade or more in age—sustained snow load damage, threatening long-term crop viability.
Financial Strain Compounded by Rising Costs
The physical damage is compounded by economic pressures. Kenneth D. Ayars, chief of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s division of agriculture and forest environment, confirmed a 50% increase in fertilizer costs and a spike in fuel prices, further straining farm budgets already stretched by repair needs.
Despite the heavy snowfall, drought conditions have emerged in parts of the state, with about two-thirds of Rhode Island classified as abnormally dry by the U.S. Drought Monitor, creating a challenging contrast of excess winter moisture and impending spring water shortages.
State and Federal Assistance Available
In response to the widespread damage, state and federal financial aid programs have been made available to affected farms. Assistance covers losses to structures like hoop houses and seasonal high tunnels, as well as crop and livestock losses directly tied to the blizzard.
Farmers are encouraged to document damages and apply through official channels administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and federal agricultural agencies to access recovery support.
As farmers operate to rebuild and replant, the Blizzard of ’26 remains a defining event for Rhode Island agriculture in 2026, highlighting both the vulnerability of farming infrastructure to extreme weather and the resilience of the state’s agricultural community.