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New Jersey officials address State Agricultural Convention

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — In one of many highlights of New Jersey's 100th annual State Agricultural Convention, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno and New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher addressed about 500 people during the dinner banquet Wednesday evening, Feb. 4, at the Tropicana Casino & Resort, here.

"This is a person who understands and really supports this industry," Fisher said in his introduction of Lt. Gov. Guadagno.NJconv1849New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (center) with New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Al Murray and Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher just prior to the dinner banquet Wednesday evening, Feb. 4, in Atlantic City, NJ. (Photo by Gordon M. Hochberg)

In her remarks, Guadagno said that she looked forward to the expanding future of agriculture and encouraged the development of programs to educate the next generation of innovative farmers. "At this moment, we are currently exploring ways in which the state and its partners can increase STEM-Ag education initiatives to keep pace with the changing nature of agriculture and ensure that we have talented and qualified farmers who will literally feed the world in decades to come," she said.

She congratulated those assembled "on your 100th convention," even as she added, "I think the issue today is the future." The state's agricultural industry needs to make sure that "young people continue in farming" to keep the industry alive and thriving. "Farming today is not going to look like farming 10 years from now," she stated.

Hosted in conjunction with the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey's convention and trade show, the State Agricultural Convention brings together industry representatives to share best practices, attend seminars and present awards to outstanding leaders in agriculture.

"The New Jersey State Agriculture Convention brings delegates from all aspects of agriculture together to set policy for the coming year," said Secretary Fisher. "The Department of Agriculture also brings important information to delegates, such as encouraging farmers to get involved with the Farm to School program and Made with Jersey Fresh initiative. The convention strengthens our industry and sets goals the department works all year long to accomplish."

Agriculture is New Jersey's third-largest industry. In 2012, the state's 9,071 farms generated sales totaling $1.14 billion, according to a Feb. 5 NJDA press release. With 715,057 acres of farmland, the Garden State produces more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are enjoyed throughout the Northeast, in Canada and globally.

"The New Jersey State Agricultural Convention is the most important gathering of the year for the agriculture community, providing a direction for the industry for the next year," said Joseph Maugeri, president of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey. "It also is an opportunity to learn about the issues facing agriculture and gain knowledge through the Vegetable Growers Association's workshops and the State Board's presentations."

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