In an announcement on Wednesday NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, said farmers affected by the natural disaster can now apply for Agricultural Natural Disaster Assistance.

“The assistance comes in the form of loans of up to $130,000, at 2.56 per cent interest per annum with a two-year interest and payment free period,” said Mr Whan.

“These loans are for the repair or replacement of property and infrastructure, including damage to pasture and crops,” he said.

Department of Industry and Investment district horticulturist, Sean Brindle, said crop damage so early in the season was not immediately evident.

“Since then it has become apparent that crop yields have been significantly reduced,” said Mr Brindle.

“One large vineyard has reported a reduction in yield in the order of 50-80 per cent.

As the season has progressed it has become apparent the storm caused at least $400,000 damage to plum, grape and strawberry crops on at least four properties.

Mr Brindle said the reduction to crops in blossom at the time is harder to assess, as crop load defined by fertilisation by bees was not known at the time of the hail storm.