Agriculture Department Invites Consumers to Participate in Season-Long Social Media Contest

(TRENTON) – Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher wants Jersey Fresh fans to show their Jersey Fresh Love once again this year. Last year, the Department launched its Jersey Fresh Love social media campaign to encourage Jersey Fresh produce fans to share photographs of where they get their New Jersey-grown fruits and vegetables, how the produce is being used, and their favorite farms to visit. Each week, the NJDA team gathered some of their favorite photos into an album on Facebook. People liked, commented and shared their love of the photographs. In addition, Secretary Fisher announced that the social media campaign has a few exciting changes this season.

“Jersey Fresh Love was a success last year, with hundreds of fans submitting thousands of photographs from all over New Jersey,” said Secretary Fisher. “This year, to show our appreciation to all who participated, as well as say thanks for the ongoing support of local New Jersey farmers, markets, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and products, we are adding a new element to the campaign. In 2016, Jersey Fresh Love will become a contest, and participants can win prizes.”

The Department is again looking for people to share their love of Jersey Fresh through photos – posting images of all things Jersey Fresh, whether it be their favorite fruits, vegetables or dishes; a local farmer, farmers market or roadside stand; a favorite restaurant that serves Jersey Fresh dishes; or a visit to a New Jersey winery, pick-your-own farm or agri-tourism activity. Participants can enter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #JerseyFreshLove or upload images on the new #JerseyFreshLove Contest tab on the Jersey Fresh Facebook page. Also, new this year, people are encouraged to vote for their favorite photos.

“By this time, people are anxiously awaiting their favorite Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables and looking forward to visiting markets and restaurants to find Jersey Fresh items,” Fisher said. We hope people will again share their photos from these experiences on their social media channels. Plus, they should encourage friends to get involved and vote for their photos.”

Each week, one (1) winner will be chosen at random to receive a Jersey Fresh apron, reusable shopping bag and car magnet. At the end of the contest, the one (1) photo submission with the most votes will be awarded the grand prize – a choice of a Jersey Fresh Experience worth up to $500. The contest runs May 18 through September 14, with voting through September 21.

Continue to monitor the Department’s social media channels at Facebook  www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial, Twitter @JerseyFreshNJDA, Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/JerseyFreshNJDA/, Instagram @jerseyfreshNJDA and Tumblr http://jerseyfreshofficial.tumblr.com/.