New Jersey brings the produce in autumn, and all year long

One thing is for certain about New Jersey, it definitely has earned its nickname of the Garden State.

More than 9,000 farms are located in New Jersey, and productive farmland covers more the 700,000 acres. The state’s growers produce more than 100 types of fruits and vegetables that are eaten fresh in Jersey and throughout the Northeast and around the world. Not only do those growers provide people with nutritious food and contribute $1 billion to the state’s economy each year, they play an important role by generating tax revenue and adding beautiful vistas to New Jersey’s landscape.

New Jersey is a leading producer of an array of crops, including tomatoes, blueberries, apples, eggplant, spinach, squash and asparagus, but it is also renowned for growing specialty crops.

As the state heads into September, growers are focusing on fruits and vegetables that help make fall special, including beets, broccoli, turnips, Brussels sprouts, chard, cranberries and more.

One item that really defines the autumn season is the apple, and Jersey offers lots of varieties of this ever-popular fruit. People in the state are known to head to their local farm stand or pick-your-own orchard when their favorite apple varieties become available. Apple season starts in September with the Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Empire and Crimson Crisp. October sees Stay Winesaps, Cameos, Granny Smiths, Pink Ladies, Fuji and the Macoun.

Many of New Jersey’s farmers also own and operate farmers markets, where they offer Jersey-grown produce. When fall comes around, those stores sell not only apples, but also delicious apple treats, including pies and cider.

Of course, another popular fall crop in New Jersey is pumpkin, which in addition to being used in pies, cakes, and, of course, pumpkin bread, are popular decorations throughout fall, not just at Halloween when they are carved into jack-o-lanterns.

Another important aspect of New Jersey’s produce scene are seasonal markets that are held throughout the state. These are usually weekly and begin in the spring, with many running well into fall. These local events offer a showcase for growers and artisans to sell their goods, and also brings communities together in support of local growers and other vendors.

Key to the success of New Jersey’s produce is the Jersey Fresh campaign, which has been supporting New Jersey’s farming community since 1984 through advertising, promotion, and quality grading. Throughout the years, it has helped shoppers learn about the availability and variety of the fruits and vegetables that are grown in New Jersey. It has been tremendously successful, especially with the trend toward buying locally-grown produce. It has even become a model for other states’ agricultural businesses to follow.

Jersey Fresh began as a radio advertising campaign, and today it uses billboards, television, and print ads, as well as point-of-purchase materials to keep customers informed about the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The Jersey Fresh website offers information about agricultural events taking place in the state, as well as recipes and a wealth of information that is all designed to help New Jersey’s growers continue to succeed.