Garden State Times

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) recently hosted the Underserved Farmers Network (UFN) Resource Seminar and Idea Sharing Event on February 3, preceding the 110th New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City.

"Every farmer in New Jersey is important to the strength of the agriculture industry," stated Edward Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. "Programs like these that reach our farmer community members where they’re at is one of the ways we are working to expand the support and safety net for farmers in New Jersey."

The event focused on providing resources, grants, and program information for UFN members. Presentations were given by various organizations including the Division of Food and Nutrition, Camden City School District, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. These presentations covered United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service cooperative agreements such as Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchasing Assistance. Additional topics included NJDA grant opportunities, Jersey Fresh registration, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the State Agriculture Development Committee Next Generation Farmer Program. A roundtable discussion followed, addressing challenges faced by underserved farmers, their needs, and how NJDA can better support them.

The Underserved Farmers Network was established following legislation S772 signed into law in 2022. This law directed NJDA to create a registry for minority, women, disabled, LGBTQIA+, socially disadvantaged, and other historically underserved farmers. The network serves as a listserv allowing NJDA to communicate directly with these groups about opportunities and provide technical assistance.

The initiative aims to assist Hispanic or Latino/a/x, Black or African American, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Indigenous people, Middle Eastern individuals, military veterans, women, beginner farmers with ten years or less experience, LGBTQIA+ individuals, limited resource farmers and ranchers as well as those with disabilities.

Those interested in joining can complete an interest form to provide contact information or express interest in programs like Jersey Fresh.

For further details about joining the network or its activities email UnderservedFarmersNetwork@ag.nj.gov.