Lack of sunny weather this summer takes toll on local farm crops

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI (WLNE) – The recent run of wet weather so far in 2021’s New England summer has had a significant impact on farms where the lack of sun has taken a toll on crops.

“We’ve had rain 13 out of the 14 days this month and we’ve also had rain on the last two days in June, so that’s 15 out of the last 16 days that we’ve had moisture accumulating on our plants,” Josh Goodwin of Goodwin Brothers Farm said.

Goodwin Brothers Farm in North Smithfield has been part of the community for hundreds of years and they say this is one of the more challenging summers they’ve ever had.

While water is necessary for crops to grow, too much moisture can be a bad thing.

“Anytime things are not given ample time to dry out, it’s conducive to mold, fungus, and bacteria that could grow on the leaves,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin says tomatoes and raspberries have been the most affected by the rain.

While they’ve been able to maintain production, the biggest impact has been on their stores.

“Anytime it’s 60 degrees and raining no ones coming to a farm and shopping for produce,” Goodwin said.

But there’s hope for a light at the end of the tunnel with Thursday and Friday’s sunny and warm summer weather.