New Jersey boasts productive, high-quality farmland located near some of the most densely populated and diverse markets in the world. Fruit and vegetable, nursery, floriculture, and greenhouse operations exist, along with strong public commitment to farmland preservation and agricultural industry development. However, successful continuance of agriculture in the “Garden State” depends upon developing a skilled next generation of farmers. The RU Ready to Farm: Getting Rooted in the Garden State program has successfully expanded the existing Rutgers Cooperative Extension RU Ready to Farm initiative to a multi-year, statewide program providing technical education, mentorship, and land access opportunities to beginning farmers. Phase I included program establishment, advisory board assembly, hiring a coordinator, developing curriculum, and recruiting participants. The students in Phase I of the program gained access to 15 2-hr video modules that covered the basics of starting and running a successful farm, bi-weekly zoom meetings with our team of Cooperative Extension experts to discuss course material and go over individual students' plans and goals, and tours of various farms across NJ where students had the opportunity to learn from successful farmers in the area. In Phase II, trained facilitators delivered basic and advanced educational modules through web-based primers, in-person instruction, and experiential learning.
In Phase III trained participants can obtain mentored farm-based apprenticeships, pilot their agricultural endeavors through a farm incubator program, or acquire acreage to launch their farm businesses through a land access program. Expected outcomes include increased technical knowledge, intention to utilize skills acquired, and intention to establish farm businesses in New Jersey. Each year, the program will reach 500 potential participants, receive 50-75 applications, and enroll at least 30 new participants, with most enrollees continuing to complete advanced training and access land in years two and three respectively. Approximately 20 participants are projected to join an existing agricultural enterprise, with 15 expected to launch their own farm business, contributing to ongoing agricultural success in the Garden State.