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There are several moving parts to consider when starting a farm business. Below is a list of key organizations beginner farmers are encouraged to use as resources when starting a farm. Many of these organizations offer information and services farmers may need in order to get started. Some of this information includes land accessibility, marketing and development, loan programs etc.
To learn more about how these organizations can serve new farmers, follow the links to the websites described below.
State Agricultural Development Committee
The State Agricultural Development Committee is a part of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. This committee monitors all facets of Farmland Preservation, Right to Farm, agricultural mediation, Farm Link, statues/policies, and rule proposals in New Jersey. Beginner farmers can search on this site for available land through an online linking service, “Farm Link”.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture website is a resource for consumers, farmers/producers, food industry buyers, teachers, students, and Future Farmers of America members. This website includes information on all things “Jersey Fresh”, including hot topics, press releases, financial services, and applications/forms. Beginner farmers can learn more about state policies and regulations by visiting this website.
New Jersey Farm Bureau
The New Jersey Farm Bureau is a private, non-profit membership organization that represents agricultural producers and enterprises. This organization focuses on advocating for, informing, and promoting all facets of New Jersey Agriculture. This website provides users with legislative and policy information, emergency alerts, and the latest news. Beginner farmers can also locate the information needed to become a member of New Jersey Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers committee by visiting this website.
Farm Credit East, New Jersey
Farm Credit East (FCE) offers farmers a variety of financial and lender services. Farm Credit East offers beginner farmers with additional technical assistance and resources needed to improve financial profitability by hosting online webinar sessions throughout the year. By visiting this page, Beginner farmers can learn more information on loans and accounting services offered by FCE.
United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) serves all farmers through the delivery of agricultural programs. This website includes information on all FSA “Farm” and “Farm Loan” Programs. FSA encourages beginner farmers to visit this website to learn more about assistance through the beginner farm programs. Visit this page to locate the nearest FSA office.
North Eastern Organic Farming Association
The North Eastern Organic Farming Association- New Jersey, (NOFA-NJ) is an association supporting organic growers to promote healthy farms, healthy food, and healthy land. Beginner farmers interested in growing organically can visit this website to learn more about organic certification, events, and NOFA programs.
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension
Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science based knowledge. Through science-based educational programs, Rutgers Cooperative Extension truly enhances the quality of life for residents of New Jersey and brings the wealth of knowledge of the state university to local communities.
New Jersey State Board of Agriculture
The State Board of Agriculture is an eight-member body established by the New Jersey Legislature to set the broad agricultural policies of the Department of Agriculture. The State Board operates in accordance with the agricultural laws of New Jersey to promote the agricultural interests of the State and to protect and serve the citizens of New Jersey by providing information and unbiased enforcement of laws and regulations ensuring quality products and services. Products and services such as seed, feed, fertilizer, conservation of soil and water resources; control, suppression, and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases and plant pests; and many others are regulated by the State Board, as well as, feeding schoolchildren and the distribution of surplus federal foods to soup kitchens and pantries that serve our needy citizens.