New Jersey, known as the Garden State, has a vast diversity of landscapes and is a unique combination of densely populated urban centers and open agricultural areas. For a small state, agriculture in New Jersey is quite significant with more than 100 crops being produced. Despite legislative and public pressures, high input costs, and the second highest per-acre market value of farmland in the nation, 16% of New Jersey land is dedicated to agriculture production and the ag industry contributes $987 million to the state’s economy.
The Garden State is 3rd in the nation for producing Cranberries, Peaches and Spinach; 4th in Bell Pepper production; 6th in Blueberries, Cucumbers, and Squash; and 7th in Tomatoes. Other major commodities are nursery, berries, equine and aquaculture.
The Farm Service Agency is a safety outlet for producers. It helps ensure:
- The well-being of American Agriculture, the environment, and the American People though efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs;
- Farm ownership, operating, and emergency loans;
- Conservation and environmental programs;
- Emergency and disaster assistance;
- Domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.
Our Goals are to:
- Help Farmers Conserve Land and Water Resources
- Provide Credit to New or Disadvantaged Farmers
- Help Farm Operations Recover From the Effects of Disaster
DEADLINE EXTENSION! Claimants now have until May 1, 2013 to submit their claims packets.
The claims process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied their applications for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000. As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.
Claimants must register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) and the claims package will be mailed to claimants. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to attend meetings in your communities about the claims process and contact the website or claims telephone number.
- Website: www.farmerclaims.gov
Independent legal services companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.
Coming Soon! See how the Farm Service Agency benefitted New Jersey Agriculture last year!
Previous Years
Farm Bill News Stay up to date with News Releases, Program Fact Sheets and the Federal Register.
See what Conservation can do for NJ
Farm Service Agency NJ State Office 300 Clocktower Drive, Suite 202 Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Phone: (609) 587-0104 Fax: Administrative: (609) 587-0904 Programs: (609) 587-0906
- Russell J. Marino (Chairperson)
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