Vermont Fruit Growers Assess Freeze Damage

Orchardists and fruit growers from parts of Vermont hit by a hard freeze are assessing the damage to their crops, but it could be some time before the full extent of any damage is known.

Temperatures early Tuesday dropped as low as 22 degrees and the 28 recorded in Burlington was one degree above the record low for May 10.

Jim Bove of Chapin Orchard in Essex tells the Burlington Free Press he found damage to many apple blossoms, but he remains optimistic there will be a marketable crop this year.

Kelly Loftus of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture says there are expectations there may be some damage, specifically in low areas and frost pockets.

She says officials are concerned, especially about strawberry and blueberry crops.