News Release

(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) are sponsoring three workshops in the north, south and central parts of the state in March to assist farmers who are seeking organic certification in time for the 2006 growing season.

Since the certification process can take four to six months, growers interested in entering the organic marketplace in 2006 will need to apply soon. Growers who would like to learn more about the requirements for certification and opportunities in the organic marketplace, are encouraged to attend one of the three sessions scheduled in Monmouth, Gloucester and Hunterdon Counties. The sessions, which will help farmers navigate the certification process, are free but pre-registration is encouraged.

The information sessions will be held:

Friday, March 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Snyder Research and Extension Farm
140 Locust Grove Road
Pittstown, Hunterdon County

Friday, March 17, 1 to 3 p.m.
Gloucester County Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office
Conference Room C
1200 N. Delsea Dr.
Clayton, Gloucester County

Wednesday, March 23, 6 to 9 p.m.
Monmouth County Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office
4000 Kozloski Road
Freehold, Monmouth County

To register for one of these sessions or for additional information on organic certification, contact Erich Bremer at the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at (609) 984-2225 or erich.bremer@ag.state.nj.us.