For Immediate Release: March 15, 2016
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954
lynne.richmond@ag.state.nj.us

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today marked National Agriculture Day, calling on all New Jersey residents to acknowledge the important place agriculture holds in their daily lives and the economic prosperity it brings to the Garden State.

National Agriculture Day highlights the abundance provided by agriculture and the importance of farmers to New Jersey and the nation. Farmers in the State produce at the farm gate more than $1.1 billion each year.

“Agriculture Day is an exciting time when we look forward to the upcoming growing season and appreciate our State’s farmers for providing safe, abundant and affordable high-quality products,” said Secretary Fisher.  “New Jersey agriculture is diverse, from growing more than 100 different fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as grains, plants, trees, shrubs and flowers to producing eggs, milk, meat, seafood and fiber.  It is a day to celebrate the Garden State

New Jersey ranks nationally in the top 10 in the production of clams, sea scallops, surf clams, cranberries, blueberries, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, cucumbers, squash, cut Christmas tree farms, snap beans, seafood catch, agritourism and floriculture sales, cabbage, wine, and seafood landings.

Fisher said agriculture plays a significant role in maintaining a strong economy, and provides numerous career opportunities including:  farm production; agribusiness management and marketing; agricultural research and engineering; food science, processing and retailing; banking; education; landscape architecture; urban planning; energy; and many more.

With 9,071 farms on 717,057 acres, New Jersey farmers are stewards of the land, contributing to the health, beauty, productivity and quality of our water and soil resources for the benefit of all State residents.