Important Links for Beginner Farmers - RU Ready 2 Farm Toolshed

Finding Reliable Information

There are many online resources available for today’s beginner farmers. However, having so many sources to choose from can be confusing for someone starting an agricultural production business. Determining which sources are trustworthy and accurate can be a challenge, and mistakes can cost time and money. The purpose of this fact sheet is to give beginner farmers in New Jersey a starting base of trusted organizations and resources. Many of the links below connect to university and government resources, which are considered the gold standard of agricultural information. In particular, Rutgers University resources (indicated with an R) can be counted on to provide reliable and verified information that is specific to New Jersey agriculture. In many cases, these Rutgers resources should be the first stop for gathering knowledge.

The links below are divided into six sections:

1. General Links
2. Innovative Crops and Marketing
3. Financial Information
4. Legal and Regulatory Concerns
5. Networking and Trade Groups
6. Additional Resources

These links provide a starting point for important information for anyone seeking to begin farming. Farming is a complex business and farmers must develop many diverse skill sets in order to succeed. For additional help and guidance, beginner farmers should seek out their local county cooperative extension office. County Extension professionals can provide farmers with a wealth of local information on soil quality, farm infrastructure, and agricultural production. Additionally, they can help farmers navigate state and local regulations, discover opportunities, and connect with other local farmers and agricultural experts.

General Links

The resources in this section link to major information hubs. Here farmers can find some of the highest quality government and university Cooperative Extension knowledge bases. Each of these sites contains further access to a wide array of educational and training resources for beginner farmers.

1. US Department of Agriculture (USDA) New Farmers Website
   Comprehensive Federal resource for new farmers. Contains a wealth of information and links to various programs.
2. Farm Answers
   Farm Answers is the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) clearinghouse, providing resources to help you get started farming, as well as tools to help more seasoned producers succeed.
3. Farmland Information Center
   New farmers can browse guides on how to evaluate and find land, and how to access capital to begin or expand your farm operation.
4. ATTRA (the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service)
   Schedule of events and webinars on a variety of ag and food related topics.
5. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
   Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
   The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program offers competitive grants and sustainable agriculture education in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
6. North Carolina State New Producers – Beginning Farmers
   An NC State Extension web portal to connect beginner farms to resources and knowledge.
7. Cornell Small Farms Resources
   Information, resources, and guides from the Cornell Small Farms Program.
8. New Jersey Farmland Information Center
   New Jersey specific information and resources on farming, land acquisition, and regulations.
9. State of NJ Beginner Farmer Resources
   NJ State Ag Development Committee resources and links for new and beginning farmers.
10. Northeast Organic Farming Association Resources and Workshops
    NOFA-NJ's beginning farmer program contains information, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
11. Connect Extension Interactive Hub
    National Cooperative Extension website with connections to various projects and informational fact sheets.

Rutgers University General Links for Beginning Farmers

1. Rutgers Beginner Farmer Toolshed (R)
   Rutgers Cooperative Extension clearinghouse for NJ focused farming information and resources.
2. Annie's Project New Jersey (R)
   Annie's Project is a risk management educational program for women farmers that began in the Midwest and spread throughout the country.
3. General Farm Production Information (R)
   News, training, and grower resources from the New Jersey Agricultural Expreiment Station. This site provides access to an extensive collection of top-quality research and services.
4. Cooperative Extension County Offices (R)
   Find and connect with your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension county office. County Extension offices provide a wealth of services for farmers. They are familiar with the agriculture industry in their counties at a local level and can help farmers navigate the many regulatory and planning issues that arise.

Innovative Crops and Marketing

This section links to information on choosing high-value specialty crops as well as tools for finding and developing markets for products. Beginner farmers will find these resources useful as they research the most profitable crops for their region and farm size.

1. Rutgers Ultra Niche Crops (R)
   Information and budgets for high-value niche crops for New Jersey markets. Ideal crops for beginner farmers looking to maximize profit on a few acres.
2. List of Alternative Crops and Enterprises for Small Farm Diversification
   Lists of crop options and links to resources for farmers looking to diversify their operation.
3. Jersey Fresh
   Information on the Jersey Fresh marketing program and guidance on how to participate.
4. NJ Community Farmers Markets
   Information and resources for connecting to and participating in New Jersey farmers' markets.
5. NJ Farmers Market Guidelines (PDF)
   Guidelines on what can be sold at a NJ farmer’s market and information on what, if any, licenses and conditions apply.
6. Community Supported Agriculture: New Models for Changing Markets (PDF)
   USDA guide to developing a CSA with real world examples and a variety of models.
7. Using Demographic Information to Identify Specialty Crop Markets
   Links to demographics, crop information, and market research for determining what specialty crops to grow for your market.
8. World Crops for Northern United States
   This website provides information on sustainable production and marketing practices for crops popular among the large and growing immigrant populations in the United States.
9. Rutgers SARE Agricultural Market Research App (R)
   New Jersey interactive demographic map for agricultural market research.
10. Rutgers Extension Training for Agritourism Development (R)
    This training program is multi-tiered, comprising workshops, webinars, and web-based resources focused on:
    • minimizing farm safety risks;
    • managing liability;
    • mitigating financial risk through enterprise budgeting; and
    • improving marketing strategies.

Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Production Guide
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Fungicide Resistance Management Guidelines for Vegetable Crops, Mid-Atlantic
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

NJ Tree Fruit Production Guide
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Blueberry Production Guide
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Commercial Grape Pest Control Recommendations for NJ
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Mid-Atlantic Field Crop Weed Production Guide
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Mid-Atlantic Berry Production Guide
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Disease Control Recommendations for Ornamental Crops
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Insect Control Recommendations for Shade Trees and Commercial Nursery Crops
Commercial production recommendations guidebook.

Financial Information

This section contains a number of business planning, budgeting, and accounting resources to help beginner farmers develop the financial aspect of their business. Preparing a detailed business plan after thorough research is an essential step for starting any business. Also featured here are links to organizations that offer low-cost farm loans, as well as potential grant opportunities for beginner farmers.

Business and Financial Planning

1. University of Minnesota - AgPlan
   Online resource for developing a farm buisness plan.
2. Iowa State University - Writing a Business Plan
   ISU Extension guide to writing a business plan.
3. Iowa State University - Evaluating Farm Accounting Software
   ISU Extension guide to accounting software for farm businesses, contains links to a number of resources.
4. Rutgers NJAES Farm Management (R)
   Resources on budgeting, economics, marketing and more to help facilitate business planning.
5. USDA Risk Management Agency
   USDA tools and information to help new farmers plan for and mitigate risk. Includes crop insurance, liability management, and natural disaster relief.

Obtaining Financial Assistance

1. Farm Credit East
   Farm Credit East is a financial cooperative dedicated to serving the agricultural credit and financial needs of those in the business of agriculture.
2. USDA Farm Loans
   Information and links to apply for federal farmer loans. Great for newer farmers who are unable to secure credit through private lenders.
3. Center for Rural Affairs Beginner Farmer Loans
   Fact sheet on USDA loans that specifically target new and beginning farmers.
   
4. Farm Service Agency (FSA)
   Comprehensive information and resources for farmers and links to find your local FSA office.
5. Ag Credit (FSA Loans)
   Additional information on loans for new and beginning farmers.
6. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
   The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against increasing weather volatility.
7. State Agricultural Development Committee deer fencing grants for preserved farms fact sheet (PDF)
   New Jersey State financial assistance for installing protective deer fencing on preserved farmland. This program is dependent on announced funding rounds.

Legal and Regulatory Concerns

Beginner farmers need to be aware of the numerous laws and regulations governing the agriculture industry. State and county agencies, including county cooperative extension, are usually the best resources for staying informed. This list of links will connect farmers with some of the more important agencies in the state.

Regulations and Rules for Farm Businesses

1. State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC)
   The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) leads in the preservation of New Jersey's farmland and promotes innovative approaches to maintaining the viability of agriculture.
2. County Agriculture Development Boards
   County Agriculture Development Boards (CADBs) are important partners in New Jersey's farmland preservation and right-to-farm efforts.
3. Right to Farm Act
   Right to Farm Act: A Guide for Farmers, Neighbors, and Municipalities (PDF)
   Information on the Right to Farm Act which offers certain legal protections and mediation options to farmers who use accepted management practices.
4. Farmland Assessment for Tax Relief on Farmland
   Information on the New jersey farmland assessment program which can help to lower the property tax burden on farmed acres.
5. Applying for Agricultural Water Use Certifications
   An Agricultural Water Usage Certification or Registration must be obtained from the NJDEP if a farm has the capability to divert ground and/or surface water in excess of 100,000 gallons per day for agricultural, aquacultural or horticultural purposes.
6. Depredation Permits for Wildlife Management
   Farmers experiencing deer damage may apply for a Deer Depredation Permit which allows for the taking of deer outside of the normal hunting season. Eligible property includes cultivated fields and tree farms. Cultivated fields includes pasture lands which have been seeded within the 12 months prior, and land on which crops are grown.
7. Pesticide License Information Required for All Pesticide Applicators
   The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) required each state to set up a program to certify users of pesticides. This certification is designed to demonstrate a certain level of competency by pesticide users on the safe use of pesticides.
8. Rutgers On-Farm Food Safety (R)
   NJDA Food Safety Information
   Links to guidance and training on the Food Safety Modernization Act and Rutgers NJAES Farm Food Safety Certificates.
9. NJ Vehicle Laws and Regulations for farmers
   Information on the various legal concerns associated with registering and operating a farm use vehicle in the state of New Jersey.

Legislative Topics and Updates

1. NJ Department of Agriculture
    NJDA homepage with connections to a wealth of information and resources relevant to agricultural in the state.
2. NJ Farm Bureau
   The New Jersey Farm Bureau represents the agricultural producers and enterprises of New Jersey at all levels of government—local, county, state, federal and international. This representation includes the influence of regulations and laws, the creation of positive public relations, and the seeking out of initiatives, activities and ventures to help the profitability of the producer members.

Networking and Trade Groups

Connecting with and learning from other, more experienced farmers is important for any beginner farmer. This section contains links to several of the major trade groups and networking organizations in the region. Some of these groups hold annual conferences and training events, which are a great way to meet other producers and agricultural professionals. While there are many other commodity/trade groups, councils, and associations one can find, this list is a good place to start.

1. NJ Vegetable Growers Association
   An organization to promote and encourage improvements in the production and marketing of all phases of the vegetable industry in the State of New Jersey. Hosts one of New Jersey’s largest annual agricultural conferences each winter.
2. NJ Soybean Board
   This program was created to raise and allocate funds to promote through research, education and promotion, profitable soybean production in New Jersey.
3. NJ Horticultural Society
   A group of fruit and vegetable farmers who collaborate to improve production in the state of New Jersey. This organization seeks to foster scientific research in our industry and improve the distribution of pertinent information to growers to further their success in growing.
4. NJ Nursey and Landscape Association
   The NJNLA was created for the purpose of bringing together nurserymen, garden retailers, and landscape professionals to advance the huge ornamental horticulture and related service industries.
5. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
   The Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention has become the premier grower meeting in the Northeast, normally combining three days of six or more concurrent educational sessions with a large industry trade show and numerous networking opportunities.
6. New Jersey Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association
   New Jersey Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of farmer-to-consumer direct marketers of all agricultural products.
7. New Jersey Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ag Professionals
   Networking and professional development group for NJ farmers between 18–35.
8. National Young Farmers Coalition
   The National Young Farmers Coalition is a national advocacy network of young farmers fighting for the future of agriculture.
9. Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey
   The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA-NJ) is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting organic agriculture in New Jersey through education, technical assistance and advocacy.

Additional Resources

This section features a broad mix of practical resources. Here there is information on accepting food assistance benefits payments, finding and acquiring land and agricultural employment, and more Rutgers links to services such as soil testing and pest monitoring.

Food Assistance Programs

1. USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
   Information on the SNAP program and how farmers can apply to accept SNAP payments through their farm stands and farmers’ markets.
2. NJ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
   Information on how to accept WIC benefits as a farmer.

Locating Land, Internships, and Opportunities

1. New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) Farm Link
   The Farm Link Program serves as a resource and referral center for farmers and landowners. Beginning and established farmers who are seeking access to land and farming opportunities, and landowners who have farmland and business opportunities available, can use the linking service to connect with one another.
2. Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) NJ Classifieds
   Posted opportunities for farmland and farm employment.

Practical Rutgers Resources

1. Rutgers Soil Testing Lab (R)
   The Soil Testing Laboratory is a part of Rutgers NJAES. Located on the G. H. Cook campus in New Brunswick, the It offers chemical and mechanical analyses of soils as well as special soil testing services.
2. Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab (R)
   The Plant Diagnostic Laboratory is a full-service plant health diagnostic facility of Rutgers NJAES. It provides specific recommendations to manage insect and disease pests as well as cultural problems.
3. Wildlife Damage (R)
   Short list of NJAES fact sheets on addressing issues around wildlife damage on farms.
4. Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Fact Sheets and Bulletins (R)
   A searchable database of fact sheets and bulletins published by Rutgers NJAES. These publications cover a wide array of topics in specific detail.
5. Plant and Pest Advisory (R)
   Blog providing seasonal updates focusing on insects, diseases, and weeds of importance to NJ Commercial Growers.
6. Rutgers Pest Management Office (R)
   The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Pest Management Office provides information of interest to agricultural producers, commercial pesticide applicators, and the general public.

July 2021