Yes, There Are Farms in New Jersey
Every now and then, it still happens. “Oh, are there farms in New Jersey?” someone will ask me. I’ve had the query at conferences, on planes, even at a NJ press luncheon. Although the question always takes me aback for a moment, I take a breath before responding and chalk it up to the unfair but widespread view of New Jersey as a chaotic, high-paced, densely populated, suburban/urban hive of highways and jug handles separating Manhattan and Philly. Sure, we’re all that (and proud of it!), but, oh, we are so much more.
New Jersey is home to approximately 10,000 farms spread across the state and operating in every county. Farming adds to the spectacular beauty of the Garden State as well as to the health of our economy and residents. Many farms are small-scale family farms; others encompass thousands of acres, growing everything from blueberries to corn, rice to beef. While 2025 is the fi rst growing season for some beginning farmers, others have worked their family’s farmland for generations.
New Jersey is a farming state. In fact, agriculture ranks among NJ’s top industries. And like many industries, our farms have been facing some major hurdles recently with cuts in federal funding and grant programs, including the loss of over $26 million in funds committed to support NJ producers in providing fresh, locally sourced food to schools and food banks.
Farming touches nearly every part of our lives here in New Jersey, and farmers need our advocacy and our support. So, as high harvest season approaches, we asked Devin Cornia of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey for some insight. His positive view of the world proposes that, rather than wring our hands, this era may be a moment for us to regroup and focus on how to better sustain our agricultural community and ourselves in the future. His article will uplift you while providing food for thought for a conversation that I hope will continue. As the photo below implies, it’s always important for Jersey to take care of our own.
In this issue, we also look back and forward at the beauty that is Terhune Orchards at 50 years of age. We consider agricultural options such as winemaking and lavender growing, and we provide our annual farmers’ market guide to help you shop these vital and vibrant markets this summer. And we share the faces as well as the stories of a few of New Jersey’s incredible farmers.
Our hope? That we will all be aware and reminded of the importance of supporting NJ’s farming community this season, this year, and at every opportunity. Our farmers enrich all of our lives in the Garden State. To borrow a phrase, hug a farmer— literally or fi guratively. We’ll all be better for it.
Thanks for reading, and happy summer!
Nancy Brannigan Painter,
Editor & Publisher
