(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher today announced that local farmers are beginning to harvest Jersey Fresh romaine lettuce and that it will be in local farmers markets and supermarkets within the next week. Romaine lettuce is among the early season Jersey Fresh crops.

Secretary Fisher made a visit to Hensel Farms in Atlantic County last week to check out their romaine lettuce crop.

“New Jersey farmers like the Hensel’s take great care and pride in all of the fruits and vegetables they produce,” Secretary Fisher said. “Romaine lettuce is a wonderful and tasty addition to any number of salads and recipes.”

Other early crops for New Jersey include asparagus, spinach, kale, radishes and beets with strawberries expected in mid to late May. For regular updates on the availability of Jersey Fresh farm products, consult the Department’s weekly “Jersey Fresh Availability and Forecast Report” published on Monday afternoons throughout the growing season. The weekly report can be accessed at  http://jerseyfresh.nj.gov/find/JFAvailReport.pdf.

New Jersey’s principal vegetable harvest was valued at $156 million in 2017, up by more than $6.5 million from 2016. More than 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables are grown in New Jersey.

“As the temperatures begin to warm and different types of Jersey Fresh produce become available, we encourage consumers to support their local growers in the Garden State,” Fisher said. “Our farmers continue the tradition of providing the excellent quality and variety of fruits and vegetables throughout this growing season. Remember to look for Jersey Fresh.”

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To learn more about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial or Twitter @NJDA1 and @JerseyFreshNJDA.