Officials at the NJDA stress that growers must become licensed to use the Jersey Fresh logo on their packages. The logo indicates that the contents meet quality standards equal to or better than U.S. No. 1 and adds a quality assurance note to the overall Jersey Fresh marketing program.
New Jersey farms generate more than $1.1 billion in cash receipts and the state has developed a strong reputation in both the domestic and international farming communities. Atchison said it is extremely important that the entire worldwide farming community knows that the state is heavily involved in produce and is first in the country in eggplant production, third in tomatoes and cranberry production and fourth in spinach, Bell peppers and asparagus production.
The NJDA does a lot more for farmers in the state too. Atchison noted that in addition to the Jersey Fresh program it is important to understand that the NJDA provides a variety of services to assist farmers, ranchers and other agriculturalists across the Garden State. “Whether it be for feed or fertilizer or even grass seed testing, promotional messaging, or coordination with commodity groups, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture supports our growers in many ways,” he added.
That is why he is encouraging attendees at the show to visit the booth and learn more about New Jersey produce. “People visiting booth No. B3476 will be able to learn about the Jersey Fresh brand, what it represents and become aware that our growers produce more than 100 varieties of the best fresh fruits and vegetables grown anywhere,” Atchison added.
He is also proud of the job New Jersey farmers have done in the face of some serious issues. “New Jersey farmers, like many farmers, are innovating to adapt to labor and climate issues,” Atchison said. “New planting, growing and harvesting methods are being explored continually.”
Even though the New Jersey growing season is beginning to wind down, Atchison is eager to promote that the NJDA is still promoting fall products like hard squashes, cranberries, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks and more via radio and billboards and, of course, visiting trade shows.
“Next year, we will continue the messaging that New Jersey farmers are within hours of more than 50 million consumers and they have the top-quality products that consumers demand,” he said. “Our multi-faceted campaigns, utilize seasonal billboards, radio, social media and online ads as well as promotional days where we partner with commodity councils to provide sampling of Jersey Fresh products and airplane banners.”
