Carrying on Amid NJDA Changes

Jersey Natives. Through surveys, we narrowed an extensive list of native plants to identify those most readily available at retail garden centers and nurseries and to create a database of that list.

I clearly have an affinity for the marketing side of agriculture, but serving as Assistant Secretary has brought the work of other divisions more onto my radar. I am confident that NJDA will continue to work in the many facets of the industry that are served by all our divisions.

For those who might not know, the following is a brief description of each division and the varied programs included in each.

Agricultural & Natural Resources – This division encompasses programs related to protecting resources like water and soil, ensuring they will remain healthy and ready to be of service to farmers. It also involves a unit to help develop the state’s aquaculture industry, and oversees our Agriculture Education efforts, with programs designed to develop a new generation to lead farming into the future.

Animal Health – This division is dedicated to protecting the health and viability of farm animals by preventing animal diseases from entering our livestock population and to minimize the impacts of those that get through a robust surveillance system. The division oversees our Humane Standards for Livestock. That regulation, adopted in 2009 as the first of its kind in the nation, sets forth minimum standards livestock producers must meet to be in a “safe harbor” against animal cruelty complaints.

Food & Nutrition – As the administrators of state-level and federally funded nutrition programs – including school-feeding and

Farm-to-School efforts; community feeding through emergency feeding organizations; and gleaning efforts on farms with excess produce –this division works to reduce food insecurity throughout New Jersey.

Marketing & Development –

As mentioned, the work of this division includes promotional efforts like Jersey Fresh, but also oversees programs for the equine, livestock, and dairy sectors, and implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The Department’s role in the annual State Agricultural Convention is largely coordinated through this division.

Plant Industry – Like its Animal Health counterpart, this division seeks to limit damage to agriculture’s plant resources from pests and diseases. A major part of that effort is the Phillip Alampi Beneficial Insect Laboratory, one of just a few facilities of its kind in the nation, which rears insects and other biological controls that prey on pests and invasive plants, helping farmers to avoid millions in pesticide costs and applications. There also are two “in but not of” agencies connected to the NJDA. The State Agriculture Development (SADC) works to preserve farmland and administer the state’s highly regarded Right to Farm Act. Most recently, the Office of the Food Security Advocate was placed in NJDA to help coordinate all efforts for food security in the state.

We have a terrific, responsive team at the NJDA, and we are here if you need to speak with us.

Editor’s Note: New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III is directing the Department, assuming the responsibilities of Secretary, until the State Board of Agriculture’s recommendation for the new Secretary of Agriculture is approved by Governor Phil Murphy. Atchison is also the Director of the Division of Marketing and Development for the department. He can be reached at 609-292-3976.