Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Grant Program Overview
The Sustainable Agriculture grant program is designed to advance innovative sustainable agriculture practices in the Highlands region. The grant program seeks proposals for projects that will assist agriculture operations in the Highlands Region including value-added facilities, technical assistance, new farmer programs, sustainable land management, and other sustainable agriculture activity. Projects should elevate agricultural practices, be innovative in nature, replicable, and aligned with the goals, policies, and objectives of the Highlands RMP.
This program was developed based on input from agricultural professionals who sit on the Highlands Council Agricultural Advisory Committee and are helping ensure the efforts of the Highlands Council are supporting the needs of this important industry.
Complete Program Details and Application Instructions (pdf)
PLEASE NOTE: New applications for this program are not being accepted at this time.
Six projects have been funded through this program and information about each is provided below.
Strengthening Sustainable Land Management Practices and Transportation at the City Green Farm at South Branch Preserve, Mount Olive Township, Morris County
City Green, a nonprofit farming and gardening organization, is proposing to expand regenerative farming practices in Morris County. The funded project will increase production at City Green Farms at South Branch Preserve in Mount Olive Township, and result in the development of a farmer education program that focuses on teaching regenerative practices to the next generation of farmers.
Award: $90,000
Using Regenerative Agriculture to Grow the Local Grain Economy in the NJ Highlands, various locations
The Foodshed Alliance, a non-profit farming organization, is proposing to create a program that will help farmers plant and harvest high-demand grains and then connect them to burgeoning markets for these products. At least 20 Highlands farmers are anticipated to participate in the program in its initial stages. Foodshed Alliance will create educational, training and networking tools for farmers and purchase mobile grain-processing equipment, which will be shared among participating farms.
Award: $92,840
Operation Diversification: Adaptive Farm Stewardship Modeling, Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County
This project will take place at Provenance Farm in Tewksbury Township as well as on farms throughout the Highlands Region. Across a series of 11 fields, NOFA will conduct demonstrations of rotational grazing, increasing pasture diversity, and agroforestry via on-farm presentations, farmer-to-farmer training and networking events, and the development of technical and educational resources. The project aims to teach risk-averse farmers how to restore their land in a profitable and ecologically sustainable way.
Award: $93,245
Building Resiliency and Supporting Sustainable Agriculture in the NJ Highlands through the River Friendly Farm Certification Program, Various Locations
The River Friendly Farm (RFF) Certification program promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices by evaluating farms based on soil health, nutrient management, pest management, farmstead management, waterway protection, and water conservation. North Jersey RC&D proposes to expand the program to 24 Highlands farms over three years while increasing understanding and recognition of the RFF Certification program. In addition, the organization will participate in outreach events, create marketing materials, advertise, provide technical and financial assistance to Highlands farms, and increase awareness among farmers and consumers about sustainable agriculture practices.
Award: $90,000
Transitioning Conventionally Farmed Land to Organic Management Practices in NJ Wildlife Management Areas (Supporting the Whittingham Pilot), Green Township, Sussex County
Located on 40 acres of NJDEP land in the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, the Ramapough Culture and Land Foundation proposes to grow a consistent food supply of indigenous crops to support the Turtle Clan Food Sovereignty. The project will involve coordination with NJDEP to develop organic farming practices in accordance with policies for leased land in a Wildlife Management Area.
Award: $83,930
Implementation Plan - Northwest Jersey Food Processing and Innovation Center
Award to Oxford Township, Warren County, through the Plan Conformance Grant Program: $150,000
An award of $150,000 to Oxford Township will support planning efforts for the development of the Northwest Food Processing and Innovation Center, which will be a regional hub for food processing and an incubator for creative agricultural business development. Funding from the Highlands Council will aid in the development of business and marketing plans, the preparation of a preliminary design, and project budget to support and facilitate the construction of the center, which is proposed to be built on the site of the former Warren County trash incinerator in Oxford Township. The project also aims to innovate new products, packaging, and distribution ideas.