As a new economic development initiative in 2004, the Department will be working on broad strategies and reaching out to better coordinate efforts with other agencies. In keeping with the goals outlined in its strategic plan; the Department continues to identify strategies to ensure the economic viability of the state agricultural industry as a whole.

11.1 Inter-Agency Coordination

94) STRATEGY – Strengthen communication between the NJDA and County Agricultural Agents to improve program coordination.

95) STRATEGY – Work to strengthen the marketing and promotional coordination of the State Agricultural Commodity Councils. Evaluate the benefits of shared resources, such as cooperative advertising or other shared resources.

96) STRATEGY – Invite representatives from other agencies to Economic Development Work Group meetings. Guest representatives could be invited from such agencies as Rutgers, Division of Travel & Tourism, Economic Development Authorities, the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, state agency web masters etc.

11.2 New Market Opportunities List

97) STRATEGY – Develop a “New Market Opportunities” list. The list could be drawn from projects within the Economic Development Work Group and disseminated directly to growers though Rutgers’ plant and pest advisory.

11.3 Assist in Addressing Labor Issues

98) STRATEGY - Continue the commitment to programs that support worker training, worker healthy and safe, and farm labor housing.

99) STRATEGY - Support reform of policies and procedures addressing temporary agricultural worker visas at the federal and state level.

100) STRATEGY - Encourage farmers to take a pro-active approach to learning about their responsibilities at both the federal and state levels to ensure worker safety.