Local farmers face business impact from weekend wet weather

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — Southern New England has experienced a wet September.

Many of the wet weekends impacted businesses like Phantom Farms in Cumberland.

“The worst is driving customers away on rainy days,” owner Jason Macari said.

Looking to the weekend, this Saturday is the fifth in a row for rain.

Macari shared with ABC 6 News that the outside of the apples have been ruined and look less appealing to people.

“The other thing is that we have some apples in the back, they are big and awesome but the outside isn’t really good looking and we will have to use them for cider,” he said.

Phantom Farms, among many others in Rhode Island, offer fall activities for the whole family.

“For our outdoor events, we have rain dates because of this reason,” employee Mary Macari said. “We have a lot of events to get the community together, just get people here to enjoy the farm. It is so pretty this time of year, this is the height of our season.”

A customer said that people do not go out as much in the inclement weather.

“There is an affect on people in general and the public,” Lincoln resident Ron Johnston said. “They might not be as likely to go out and spend money. It is not such a good thing for Phantom Farms and other businesses.”