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Economic Development
WHEREAS, in order for agriculture to be successful in New Jersey, it must be economically viable, and the diversity of New Jersey’s agricultural products, coupled with the state’s close proximity to major markets, creates a foundation for continued success for New Jersey’s third-largest industry; and

 WHEREAS, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture researches and creates new strategies to assist farmers in identifying new trends, tapping emerging markets, and offering new products to consumers, and the Department’s economic development strategies, which are part of the Department’s Smart Growth Plan, support existing sectors, as well as encourage emerging sectors of the agricultural industry; and

WHEREAS, the Department, working cooperatively with Rutgers University and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), along with New Jersey farmers and consumers, looks ahead for new and emerging markets, as well as alternative uses for products already grown in the state.

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the delegates to the 96th State Agricultural Convention, assembled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, on February 8-9, 2011, support the Department working with industry groups and other representatives to develop economic growth strategies for New Jersey’s agricultural industries.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support the Department’s endeavor to identify and initiate no less than three strategies for the economic development of the agriculture industry for each of the following 10 agricultural sectors: Produce, Ornamental Horticulture, Seafood/Aquaculture, Dairy, Field and Forage Crops, Livestock and Poultry, Organic, Equine, Wine and Agricultural Tourism.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the Department of Agriculture, Rutgers University, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, the United States Department of Agriculture, industry groups and producers to continue identifying and assisting in developing new market and value-added opportunities for New Jersey farmers.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage the faculty and administration of NJAES to continue to reach out to academic departments and centers throughout Rutgers in order to bring their expertise to bear on issues of importance to New Jersey.

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we salute the success of the Jersey Fresh program, now in its 26th year, and support the further development of the related Jersey Grown, Jersey Seafood and all other Department grading and promotion programs to ensure high quality standards and build consumer loyalty to New Jersey product.

Click here for the 2011 Economic Development Strategies.