ROSS COUNTY, OH – A beloved local farm has announced that it will not be producing strawberries this year due to a shortage of disease-free plants. The farm shared the disappointing news in a social media post, explaining that a newer disease impacting strawberry crops prevented them from securing healthy plants for the 2025 season.
“We have some sad news. As you may have heard, there was a shortage of strawberry plants for this season due to a newer disease that impacts strawberries. We were not able to secure disease-free plants and have decided we will not have strawberries in 2025,” the post read. “We are not sure what the future will hold for the industry. Please say a prayer for all strawberry growers.”
The disease, Neopestalotiopsis crown, leaf, and fruit disease, is caused by a fungus that can attack all parts of the strawberry plant, including the crown, roots, leaves, and fruit. First identified in the U.S. in 2018, the disease has since spread across the eastern United States, the Gulf Coast, and Mexico, significantly impacting production. The pathogen is often introduced through infected planting stock and can persist in the soil, making it difficult to eradicate.
Despite the setback, the farm expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years, saying, “Your support means more to us than you know.”
While the future of strawberry production remains uncertain, the farm’s announcement highlights the challenges facing growers nationwide as they navigate disease outbreaks and plant shortages.
For now, local strawberry lovers will have to wait and hope for better conditions in the coming seasons.
