CULTIVATING THE NEXT CROP OF FARMERS Farming may not be among the first things that come to mind when people think of New Jersey, but it should be: The Garden State is one of the top 10 producers nationally for blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and several other fruits and vegetables.
Milltown resident Carl Schneider is in phase three of the Beginner Farmer Training Program. A former market researcher, he founded Piney’s Family Farm and currently grows peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and other vegetables on land owned by veteran farmer Jim Giamarese of Giamarese Farm & Orchards. Schneider says that despite the hard work and challenges like the weather and keeping deer out, farming makes him happy. “I love the whole idea of starting my own farming business and handling all thedifferent aspects of it ― from all the work that goes into growing vegetables, to marketing to finance,” he says. “And even though farming is tough work and a big change from my 9 to 5 desk job, I love it.”
Local, family-owned and operated farms play a vital role in the community. They benefit the environment by providing a safe haven for insects, pollinators, birds, and wildlife, and contribute to the economy. In Middlesex County, actual farm income and the revenue generated is “estimated at over $30 million, though the figure changes annually,” according to Hlubik. The number of farmers and the amount of acreage dedicated to farming in Middlesex County also fluctuates. “With part- and full-time farmers, there’s roughly around 15,000 to 16,000 acres of land devoted to agricultural crop production in the County,” says Hlubik. Much of this may be due to the County’s strong support for farmers and emphasis on preserving open space and farmland
within its borders. According to Hlubik, the County has preserved approximately 55 farms which amounts to more than 5,000 acres. With so many benefits to the community and so much at stake, Hlubik says it’s more important than ever to support local farms. “Our farmers are leaders; they’re creative and innovative and they’re producing the highest quality product while protecting the environment and keeping food safe by using integrated pest management and other tools,” says Hlubik. “If you want farmers and that type of thing to survive ― and for us all to have a wonderful local, safe source of produce, grains, Christmas trees, and more ― get out there and buy from local farms and businesses. It’s worth it.”
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families with limited resources, and the RU Ready to Farm – Beginner Farmer Training Program. The Beginner Farmer Training Program offers training and support to small- to mid-scale farmers who want to transition into growing specialty or higher value crops, or who are interested in expanding into agri-tourism and extending their growing season. Launched in 2020, the three-phase program includes a 15-sesson online course in basic farming and hands-on training where participants run a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture. In the final phase, students from phase two are selected to participate in the program’s farm business incubator, which gives them an opportunity to implement their farm business plan with access to resources and mentoring. RCE’s mission and the mission of the Beginner Farmer Program are of critical importance.
Here in Middlesex County, the most common crops include corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as shrubs, container plants, and Christmas trees. Local farms also grow plenty of fruits and vegetables – as seen at farm stands and farmer’s markets throughout the County. But farming is challenging, and with the average age of farmers in the United States approaching 60 years old ― and fewer young people carrying on the tradition of family farms ― the future of local, family-owned and operated farms is anything but certain. Middlesex County is working hard to support farmers with educational and mentoring programs and to preserve their land through the Farmland Preservation Program. William T. Hlubik, the County’s agricultural agent and director of the Middlesex County Cooperative Extension Service with Rutgers University, is leading the charge with the full support of the Board of County Commissioners. The Middlesex County Cooperative Extension Service with Rutgers University provides support, education, and advice to farmers. Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) is the university’s outreach wing. It offers programs like the Master Gardeners Environmental Stewardship program, 4-H Youth Development clubs, federally funded nutrition classes for
Middlesex County is one of the more progressive counties to preserve farmland. There’s a really rich history of support from the Board of County Commissioners that continues to this day. It includes building the E.A.R.T.H. Center, which is an ideal location for farmers and constituents to visit for educational programs, hands-on demonstrations, and more.” County Agricultural Agent and Director of the Middlesex County Cooperative Extension Service with Rutgers University William T. Hlubik
(L-R) County Agricultural Agent and Director of the Middlesex County Cooperative Extension Service with Rutgers University William T. Hlubik, veteran East Brunswick farmer Jim Giamarese of Giamarese Farm & Orchards, and Beginner Farmer Program member Carl Schneider discuss farming in Middlesex County
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10 Your Middlesex | 2023 Issue 1
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