Agriculture in New Jersey and Cumberland County

It is a rare New Jersey resident who has not savored the taste of locally-grown Jersey Fresh™ fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Stroll down to the local farm market and just try to ignore the ruby red tomatoes, the fresh herbs, the sweet corn, or the plump peaches, all waiting to be taken home with you. Farm market customers often find freshly baked breads and desserts in addition to fresh produce. The frequent farm market visit also provides an opportunity to swap family recipes and experiment with new produce varieties..

For the home gardener to the professional landscaper, numerous varieties of Jersey Fresh™ plants, shrubs, flowers, vines, and trees are available from Cumberland County's nursery/greenhouse markets. Everyone's preferences can be accommodated and gardening tips can be obtained. Nurseries are required by New Jersey law to control injurious insects and plant diseases. Plant dealers must agree to purchase stock only from certified nursery sources. The nursery and landscape industry remains the leading sector of the agricultural industry in New Jersey.

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Did You Know ?? 

12 Cumberland County Farm Facts

1. Cumberland County is known as the "Garden Spot" of the Garden State! 
   
   
2. The original farmers of Cumberland County were the Lenni Lenape Indians, who farmed the land nearly 10,000 years ago. 
   
   
3. Cumberland County contains nearly 70,000 acres of farmland. 
   
   
4. In state production, Cumberland County ranks #1 in vegetables, melons, and potatoes. 
   
   
5. Swedish immigrants were among the first European farmers in South Jersey dating from the mid-1600s. 
   
   
6. 13,000 acres of Cumberland County's farmland is preserved under the New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program. 
   
   
7. Cumberland County accounts for nearly 20% of the entire state agricultural market value. 
   
   
8. Some of the leading fresh market vegetables in Cumberland County are summer squash, scallions, cucumbers, radishes, spinach, sweet corn, and tomatoes. 
   
   
9. Charles F. Seabrook was a pioneer in corporate agriculture and commercial freezing of fruits and vegetables. 
   
   
10. Cumberland County farmers supply vegetables to consumers in New Jersey, and many cities of the eastern United States and Canada. 
    
    
11. Cumberland County has one of the most progressive nursery and floriculture industries in the United States, and ranks #1 in greenhouse, nursery, floriculture, and sod production in the state. 
    
    
12. Sandy soils, level topography, optimum climate, and ample rainfall along with available fresh well water for irrigation, contribute to Cumberland County's concentrated vegetable production.