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By Paul Hlubik
New Jersey Farm Service Agency
State Executive Director
12.01.2007
At the recent Farm Bureau Convention in Princeton, we welcomed USDA Acting Secretary Chuck Conner who took the opportunity to outline his concerns about the Senate Farm Bill to the delegates.
When you think Farm Bill, many people across the country only think of states in the Midwest that produce crops like grain and corn.
It is gratifying to see that the administration is listening to states like ours.
While it is true that New Jersey has the highest population density in the United States, with an average of 1,158 people per square mile — more than 14 times the national average — the market value of agricultural products sold in the state is estimated at $750 million, according to the last Agricultural Census.
Crop sales accounted for 88 percent of the market value. Livestock sales accounted for 12 percent of the market.
New Jersey ranks second in the nation in the production of blueberries; third in bell peppers and fourth in head lettuce, cranberry and freestone peach production.
Greenhouse and nursery products produced in our state comprise more than two percent of the national total.
So when the facts are reviewed ,people can see the importance of agricultural to the Garden State.
And this was clearly demonstrated by Acting Secretary Conner’s remarks.
Conner said with more than 40 percent of New Jersey’s cash receipts in agriculture coming from greenhouse and nursery products, New Jersey is certainly a garden of America.
He added that specialty crops like these, as well as the wide array of fruit and vegetables, are becoming increasingly more important to agriculture and New Jersey’s economy.
“When we released our Farm Bill proposals in January, one of our top priorities was distributing federal support more evenly so that specialty crop producers saw more benefits from farm programs,” Conner said.
According to Conner, there is still time to get the bill done, but time is quickly running out and there are serious consequences if the Farm Bill isn’t completed.
“The committee-approved bill that’s currently stalled on the Senate floor is on the wrong track,” Conner said. “We are very anxious for the Senate to take up this Farm Bill, to complete action on it, get this bill through conference and get a good farm bill to the President’s desk so our producers can understand the rules of the game.”
“We need to encourage Congressional action before Jan. 1,” Conner said. “Otherwise we revert back to permanent law provisions, which would be fairly catastrophic if we actually had to implement some of these things.”
USDA came to New Jersey in 2006 to listen to our concerns, wishes and questions regarding a new Farm Bill.
As a matter of fact, it was one of 50 listening sessions held across the country. It is obvious by Acting Secretary Conner’s comments that the administration heard us loud and clear and is continuing to listen.
On a final note, I know that most of you are winding down your 2007 harvest. 2007 brought with it a mixed bag of drought and hail, but for many, near-perfect growing conditions.
With Thanksgiving just behind us and the holiday season afoot, I wish you all health and prosperity.
As always, it is an honor to serve the farm community of which I am part.