Contact Info
Chair/Program Leader: Nicholas Polanin
Phone: 848-932-3590
Fax: 732-932-6633
Email: polanin@njaes.rutgers.edu
Mailing Address:
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
88 Lipman Dr.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525
Connect with Us
Growing the Garden State – serving the diverse agricultural communities and commodities of NJ
Horticulture for the Health of It – strengthening the people-plant connection in our lives and landscapes
Conserving and Sustaining our Natural Resources – broadening the knowledge and appreciation of the greener world we live in
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources serves the residents of New Jersey through the development and dissemination of research-based information. Our goal is to teach people new skills and information so they can make better informed decisions and changes in themselves, their businesses, and personal lives. Broadly defined, our programs assist commercial businesses, governmental agencies, and residents through personal or group requests for assistance, information and consultation on issues related to agriculture, the environment, and natural resources management.
Our Clientele
Our work with commercial clientele and governmental agencies is intended to improve public understanding of the relationship between agriculture and open space and the general economic and environmental vitality of the state.
Our programs focus on commercial agriculture and horticulture, fisheries and aquaculture, environmental and resource management issues, farm business development and marketing, pesticide safety and training, integrated pest management (IPM), and other related subjects.
Our residential clientele includes individuals and organizations. We provide information and educational resources on a diverse range of topics, including gardening, household and structural pest identification and control, tick identification and Lyme disease, composting, and environmentally-sound gardening practices.
Programs, Materials, and Services
Educational Sessions and Workshops:
Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming educational workshops and seminars.
Consultations:
Contact your Cooperative Extension county office for assistance. Our agents, staff and trained volunteers can offer advice, information and diagnostic services.
Residential Clientele
Over-the-phone or face-to-face in-office consultations are available to you. In most of our county offices, trained volunteers known as Rutgers Master Gardeners can assist you. Call our Rutgers Master Gardener Helpline for assistance.
Commercial Clientele
In the field or on-site consultations may be provided. Contact your Cooperative Extension county office for information and initial phone consultation, or face-to-face in-office consultations.
Stewardship and Conservation
Since 2005 the Rutgers Environmental Steward program has trained volunteers in important environmental issues affecting New Jersey so they can help solve environmental problems in their communities.
Publications
Use our searchable database to find information on thousands of topics, from animal agriculture, to natural resources and the environment, to home gardening and landscaping.
Newsletters & Blogs
Our statewide newsletters and blogs provide information for commercial agricultural and horticultural businesses, but may also be of general interest to non-commercial clientele. These include subscription and non-subscription newsletters and bulletins, including our Plant and Pest Advisory. In addition, your local Cooperative Extension county office may offer monthly newsletters or other mailings that include program events or meeting announcements.
Podcasts
In our Ask the Agent podcast, Bill Bamka, Lisa Chiariello and Stephen Komar offer insight and information on topics related to NJ agriculture. Experienced farmers, new farmers and others interested in agriculture are sure to learn something.
Plant, Insect, and Soil Testing Services
Local county offices provide a range of in-office diagnostics services, such as weed and pest identification, tick identification, pH (soil acidity) testing, horticultural advice, etc. The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and Nematode Detection Service and Soil Testing Laboratory can conduct analyses for a fee. Contact our local county office for information on free and for-fee services, fee structures, and sample submission procedures.
Undergraduate Courses
Our department offers courses for undergraduates that utilize the expertise of Cooperative Extension faculty and staff to provide students with knowledge and practical skills for understanding current environmental, resource management, and horticulture topics.