The SADC is actively developing a Next Generation Farmer Program to support the next generation of farming in New Jersey. This includes helping next generation farmers from all backgrounds address the challenges they face when getting started, advancing, and establishing or diversifying their operations. It also includes supporting established farmers as they enhance their operations to be more profitable, adapt to changing conditions, and create the next generation of their farm business. 

The program is not intended to duplicate existing efforts but rather collaborate with partners to develop a coordinated, comprehensive system to identify, train, equip, and support the next generation of farmers in New Jersey. This includes providing support to a wide range of next generation farmers, including those from farm families, newcomers from non-farming backgrounds, active-duty military and veterans, women, urban growers, and others in historically underserved communities.

Supporting the next generation also means supporting established farmers, such as with succession planning, planning for the next generation of their farm operations, and addressing the common farm viability issues that affect famers at all experience levels.

The SADC recently adopted the Next Gen Program report, “The Next Generation of Farming in New Jersey: Report on Cultivating the Future of Farming in the Garden State”. The report is based on extensive research and outreach to the agricultural community to gather input and guide the future development of the program.

For more information, see the Next Gen Program factsheet and report or contact the “Next Gen” team, Senior Coordinator Brendon Pearsall and Assistant Coordinator Jessica Brandeisky.

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