For Immediate Release

September 25, 2023

Somerset County Agriculture Conference Highlights Economic Challenges of Farming

Officials Announce 35 Active Projects to Preserve 2,432 Additional Acres of Farmland

The Generational Farmer panel at Somerset County’s Influencing Agriculture Conference included (l-r) Carol English of English Farm in Basking Ridge; Matt Puskas of Middlebush Farm in Franklin Township; Jimmy Abma of Abma’s Farms in Hillsborough and Doug Van Nuys of Hillsboro Farm.

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ – Somerset County this month hosted Influencing Agriculture at Duke Farms in Hillsborough that gave local farmers an opportunity to describe the economic challenges of farming. The conference also celebrated the County’s successful Farmland Preservation Program and was attended by owners of preserved local farms, as well as state, academic, and business leaders.

During the conference, Somerset County officials announced their biggest farmland preservation “pipeline” in the 40-year history of farmland preservation, consisting of 2,432 potential acres across 35 farms. Upon completion, these projects would increase the county’s preserved farm acreage from 9,000 today to more than 11,400 acres. Last year, the county announced a goal of preserving 16,000 acres of farmland.

“The fact that we’re holding this conference is a testament to our commitment to creating a more agriculture-friendly environment in Somerset County,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, liaison to the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board. “Preserved farms are an important part of our strategy for long term viability of farming, but our job is not done after farms are preserved. We need to make sure farming is economically sustainable, too.”

Thirteen farmers, featured in a new County video, participated in panel discussions sharing economic challenges they face and opportunities for the future of agriculture in Somerset County. Among the challenges that undermine their ability to make a full-time living from farming, the farmers’ cited crop damage from the overpopulation of deer, regulatory barriers, distribution challenges, healthcare costs, lack of access to capital, changing weather patterns due to climate change, and the need for public education around local food systems.

“Most people don’t have a concept about where their food comes from,” said Doug Van Nuys, owner of Hillsboro Farm. “They have no idea what it takes for us to produce, how hard it is, and all the factors that come into play with water quality, insect damage, deer damage… the weather constantly throwing us a curve ball…and the public will ask us why we don’t have a certain vegetable or fruit. Everything is a cycle and a season – and we have to work with it. We need to be an educator to our customers.”

“Farming is our history, farming is our culture; our farmers exemplify that heritage, that fine tradition,” said Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano, who moderated a panel focused on “Generational Farmers.”

Kate Katzer, Somerset County’s Principal Planner for Agriculture, in the Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development, announced that Somerset County currently has its largest pipeline ever for farmland preservation. She also named four specific farms that she anticipates will be preserved over the coming four months. They are:

• Branchburg – Deerfield Creek Farm, 108 acres
• Bedminster – Champey Farm, 83 acres
• Bedminster – Segal & Morel Farm, 62 acres
• Hillsborough -Drenchko Farm, 24 acres

Farmland preservation projects are funded through the State of New Jersey and the County Open Space fund. The County purchases easements on farms to keep the land permanently in agriculture. When farmers preserve their farm, they receive compensation for giving up the right to develop the property for any purpose other than agriculture.

Principal Planner Katzer also introduced several new initiatives to help farms thrive, including marketing assistance and wholesaling opportunities. To support marketing, Somerset County is offering help with website development, has developed educational materials for schools and community groups, and launched a series of storymaps to engage local consumers. The county also has offered right-to-farm and technical support presentations for municipal staff and farmers and has given farmers access to the county’s economic development and GIS resources.

The Influencing Agriculture conference coincided with the opening of many local farms to the public for harvest season festivals and markets. Somerset County websites list local farm markets and agritourism opportunities.

Commissioner Drake explained that Somerset County this summer pushed for “Central Jersey” to be added to the state tourism map to encourage agritourism. “People who come to visit our farms also spend money in our hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses of all kinds,” he said. “By helping farmers succeed, we help the larger business community succeed.”

Influencing Agriculture was the second convening this year of industry leadership organized by Somerset County’s Economic Development Office, in Somerset County Office of Planning, Policy and Economic Development.

Special thanks to Influencing Agriculture’s panelists: Hillsboro Farm, Abma’s Farms, Middlebush Dairy Farm, English Farm, AquaSprout, Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, Martenette Farms, Morganics Family Farm, Norz Hill Farm; Panel moderators: Assembly Agriculture & Food Security Chair, Assemblyman Roy Freiman, Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano, and Rutgers University Cooperative Extension Director Brian Schilling; and host Duke Farms’ Sustainable Agriculture Manager Lauren Salvatore, Duke Farms Executive Director Margaret Waldock; and Chef Lauren Owens, who utilized local ingredients for breakfast and lunch.

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