“Because New England is such a prominent market for New Jersey growers, we hope to continue strengthening established relationships and to forge new relationships with retail buyers,” said Joe Atchison III, NJDA’s assistant secretary/marketing and development division director. “We hope to continue the relationships we have already established and develop new relationships that will allow our growers access to a variety of markets.”
The NJDA will have a booth at the show, which Atchison noted will have “an eye-catching display of some of the best summer crops New Jersey growers have available.” This includes sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, peppers and squash.
“Thanks to the timing and proximity of this show, we can showcase in-season crops that have been harvested from the Garden State just 24-36 hours prior to the show,” Atchison said.
Atchison will be joined at the show by NJDA’s agricultural marketing specialist Christine Fries, and the two are ready to discuss a variety of topics that always emerge during the show.
The NJDA provides marketing support for New Jersey growers through traditional media as well as social and online media. Additionally, it provides POP materials including bin wraps, banners, price cards, aprons and hats to retailers to denote products grown in the Garden State.
“The NJDA continues to support our growers through a variety of marketing efforts, and we are establishing an organic, sustainable, regenerative agriculture program to provide technical advice and marketing support for growers interested in that growing segment of the market,” Atchison said. “We also plan to increase participation in our value-added program, ‘Made With Jersey Fresh’ to extend the season for New Jersey’s growers.”
This year, the NJDA has been holding sampling events on some of the country’s largest tourist destinations — the boardwalks along New Jersey’s shore. With more than 100 million visitors each year, this provides a high-profile opportunity to reach new audiences.
In 2024, the crop production and harvest for New Jersey growers has been going well. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh statewide marketing and quality grading program that emphasizes the quality of New Jersey products and Atchison knows it’s important that food buyers and consumers know that the produce is readily available.
“The Garden State continues to produce an ample supply of the more than 100 always high-quality fruits and vegetables grown in the state,” Atchison said.
Also of note, the NJDA is hiring new marketing staff to expand the reach of the Jersey Fresh program and to grow the value-added Made With Jersey Fresh program.
“We also would like to have our new secretary of agriculture Ed Wengryn meet with retailers to discuss the importance of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables,” Atchison said.
