“On-farm dinners are one way for farmers to find an alternative source of income,” says Douglas Fisher, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “(Dinners) allow people to experience some time on the farm, and, during the pandemic, these settings can be outdoors, making them a viable dining option.

“Farm owners are scheduling events that comply with social distancing and other mandates in the governor’s executive orders,” Fisher says. “With the support of the public, it will be helpful to farmers’ bottom line and sustainability.”

Just as the pandemic impacted New Jersey’s stores and restaurants, it also caused uncertainty among the state’s farmers, Fisher says.

“But New Jersey farmers proved their resiliency once again, and have been able to adapt to the changing situation very successfully,” he says. “There are reports from all around the state of many on-farm markets doing excellent business during the pandemic. The demand for Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables has remained high and our farmers, as always, are prepared to deliver.”

 FARM DINNERS STATEWIDE 

Many NJ farms host outdoor farm-to-table dinners, and continue to do so during the pandemic. We’ve listed a few of those farms here. Check for events at your favorite local farm, and be sure to confirm events in advance.

Alstede Farms, Chester

Beach Plum Farm, West Cape May

Cecil Creek Farm, Mickleton

Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville

Chickadee Creek Farm, Pennington

Fernbrook Farms, Chesterfield

Fresh & Fancy Farms, New Milford

Great Road Farm, Skillman

Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill

Ironbound Farm, Asbury

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, Jobstown

Stokes Farm, Old Tappan

Terhune Orchards, Princeton

The Farm at Glenwood Mountain, Sussex

Treelicious Orchards, Port Murray

Von Thun Farms, Washington