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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2018
www.nj.gov/agriculture 
PO Box 330
Trenton, New Jersey  08625-0330

Contact:
Jeff Wolfe
P: (609) 633-2954
C: (609) 433-1785
E: jeff.wolfe@ag.nj.gov                       

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher and the New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association today reminded consumers they can buy New Jersey Christmas trees with confidence this year, providing clarification on recent coverage about potential impact of the spotted lanternfly on pre-cut Christmas trees.

“While the Department is mindful of the impact of the spotted lanternfly and is continuing with a comprehensive management plan to limit its spread into New Jersey, consumers should not be concerned when visiting their favorite New Jersey Christmas tree farm this season,” Fisher said. “Our Christmas tree growers are aware of the threat posed by the spotted lanternfly and are vigilant in scouting their fields and inspecting their trees regularly. This should not let consumers alter their holiday plans.”

The adult spotted lanternfly does not survive the winter and is also of no threat to humans or animals.

New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association President Chris Nicholson added that New Jersey’s Christmas tree growers are once again ready to welcome visitors from across the state to their outstanding operations.

“From Sussex to Cape May County, the farmers that grow Christmas trees for you and your family do so with an abundance of care,” Nicholson said. “We provide only the highest quality trees and most exceptional experiences for you and your families. As far as it relates to the Christmas tree industry in New Jersey, the spotted lanternfly is a non-issue. There has not been one spotted lanternfly found on a Christmas tree which was grown in our state.”

To find a Christmas tree farm near you, visit www.njchristmastrees.org.

Almost 69,000 trees are cut in New Jersey each year. The last U.S. Census of Agriculture ranked New Jersey seventh in the nation in Christmas trees grown with more than 4,600 acres of Christmas trees in the state.

The New Jersey Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, organized in 1950, is a statewide organization of growers, professionals and industry leaders dedicated to the promotion and marketing of Christmas trees and related products.

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