We’ve just completed our latest print edition (find it soon in one of these localtions!) and we decided to use it to take a look at some of the farms, farmers and gardens that are such an important part of life in South Jersey.
Over the next few days we’ll publish those stories here and on our social media sites.
In this piece, our publisher Danielle, talks about her experiences with Jersey farms annd we talk with New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III about the Jersey Fresh program.
Stay Local! Stay Jersey Fresh!
Having grown up across the bridge in Philadelphia, the farms of South Jersey are so close, yet seemed like worlds away to a city kid.
When I moved here with my husband to settle down and raise our family, the fresh fruit and vegetables from various farm markets in our area became a way of life, part of our routine shopping.
Biting into a peach fresh off a tree or a strawberry just picked from a field is incomparable.
But the abundance of locally grown produce can still be taken for granted, especially when it’s competing with the convenience of a grocery store.
Enter a program like the state Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Fresh campaign, which works to keep locally sourced food in the forefront of consumer minds with their programs and initiatives.
“Jersey Fresh is more than just a brand,” said New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III. “It’s important to support local New Jersey growers so they stay on the land providing us with goodness for years to come.”
To spread that message further, the program recently started “Jersey Fresh Giveaway Days.”
“Each summer, we go to the world-famous Jersey shore and celebrate agricultural days and products on the boardwalks in Wildwood, Atlantic City and Seaside Heights,” Atchison said.
The giveaways coincide with National Blueberry Day on July 8, National Farmers Market Week, with an event on August 2, and National “Eat-a-Peach” Day on August 22.
“These days have become so popular, there is a line waiting for us before we arrive,” Atchison said.
Jersey Fresh celebrated 40 years last year and there is no end in sight as they continue to grow and expand with campaigns created for specific agricultural categories.
“Right now, we have Jersey Seafood and Jersey Grown (for horticultural products) and have recently introduced Jersey Native Plants and Jersey Raised (for meat products),” Atchison said.
“We plan to continue supporting and promoting Jersey Fresh as long as there are farms and fresh produce in New Jersey.”
Here at South Jersey Local we feel the same way and hope you enjoy our take on South Jersey Fresh!
