The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has today announced it will be accepting applications for a program to reduce organic certification costs for farmers, as part of a scheme in partnership with the federal government.

The move is part of the Christie Administration’s ongoing efforts to promote New Jersey-grown and marketed organic food products. 

Through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, each qualified producer or handler of organic products is eligible for a reimbursement of up to 75% of their costs of certification, but not in excess of US$750.

Certification costs include fees and charges levied by the certifying agent for certification activities.

To qualify for reimbursement under this program, an organic producer or handler must have been certified or incurred expenses for the continuation of certification during the period of Oct. 1, 2016 and Sept. 30, 2017. Certification must be through a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds allocated to New Jersey, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

Operations may receive one reimbursement per certification or category of certification per year.

Applications must be received by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture no later than November 17, 2017. Applications and more information about the program are available online at: www.nj.gov/agriculture/grants/organiccostshare.html.

Showcasing "Jersey Fresh"

Last week New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher visited two farming operations involved in the "Jersey Fresh" the program to see the many varieties of produce now available at the peak of the growing season.

The program - focused on promotions, advertising and quality grading - has been around since 1984 but had a revamp in 2006 with a new logo. 

Secretary Fisher (second from the right) with the team from Sun Valley Orchards.

For the visit last Monday, Fisher toured Sun Valley Orchards in Gloucester County to highlight pepper production and Ron’s Gardens in Atlantic County to emphasize the availability of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables at road side farm markets, community farmers markets and local supermarkets.

"When you are shopping for fruits and vegetables at this time of year, Jersey Fresh is available wherever you go," Secretary Fisher said.

"Sun Valley plays a key role in producing and distributing Jersey Fresh all along the Eastern seaboard and is an example of high production agriculture in our state."

Sun Valley Orchards has been owned by the Marino family since the early 1970s and now farms more than 3,000 acres throughout southern Gloucester County and into Salem County as well.

Bell peppers are a big part of the farm, helping New Jersey rank fifth in pepper production in 2016 at 63.3 million pounds with a US$20 million production value. Sun Valley also grows cucumbers, squash, eggplant and peaches.

“It’s been a good year for us so far and we believe our produce will continue to enhance the Jersey Fresh brand,” said Joe Marino, one of the Sun Valley co-owners.

"We take pride in not only producing a large crop, but a high quality crop that consumers can look forward to purchasing in a variety of places.

”We were founded on hard work, determination and family. The Marino family is committed to growing and supplying the very best from our farms to our valued customers. We make Jersey Fresh.”

Ron’s Gardens has been in business since 1992 with its primary store in Hammonton. It expanded five years ago to include a farm stand as well as a wide range of annual and perennial flowers at the Frank Farley Plaza on the Atlantic City Expressway.

"Ron’s Gardens shows what can be done to provide Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables to the large population that travels along the Atlantic City Expressway,” Secretary Fisher said.

"The summer months are a prime business time for Ron and a great opportunity to enjoy Jersey Fresh products."

Ron’s Gardens owner Ron Fisher has been Atlantic County farmer of the year and is the president of the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture

“We love to be able to sell Jersey Fresh right here on the Expressway,” he said.

"We know it’s great tasting produce that we can depend on having during the season and we take great pride in selling it to our customers here during these busy summer months.”

New Jersey is among the top 10 in the nation in production of blueberries, peaches, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, apples, asparagus, cranberries and spinach.

Secretary Fisher encourages everyone to buy Jersey Fresh as people know where the food comes from and supports the local economy.

www.freshfruitportal.com