South Jersey Coalition of Boards of Agriculture Present a United Message to Legislators

COURT HOUSE – The South Jersey Coalition of Boards of Agriculture held a joint Legislators’ Appreciation Dinner March 13 at the Greenview Inn in Cumberland County.
According to a release, this was the first such dinner hosted by the coalition which consists of the Boards of Agriculture from Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.
More than 150 attended the meeting including state and county elected officials, members of boards of agriculture, representatives from state agencies and councils, and members of the agricultural community.
Dave Van Vorst, president of the Cape May County Board of Agriculture and a member of the planning committee, stated, “The idea was for the southern boards of agriculture to work together and expand upon the dinner previously hosted by the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture annually that traditionally attracted some 50 to 60 people.”
Van Vorst added, “The result was the formation of the coalition, an attendance greater than anticipated and the overwhelming desire of all involved to present a united voice for farmers of the region.”
Attendees enjoyed table discussion on issues concerning agriculture during dinner.
August Wuillermin, of Wuillermin Farms, Atlantic County, and a member of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture, talked to the group about the impact higher minimum wages would have on farmers.
The agriculture industry is burdened with a wage structure it cannot sustain. To remain viable, it is important to keep costs low as possible. Production and harvesting of crops is very labor intense.
Consideration needs to be given to different industries when issues such as the minimum wage are decided.
Al Natali, member of the Cape May County Board of Agriculture, was appointed to the State Board of Agriculture two years ago. Natali is the first Cape May County member on the State Board of Agriculture in the past 35 years.
Natali stated, “All of the efforts on behalf of farmers so far have made a difference. There is now a carve-out  in the minimum wage legislation for farmers that will allow them to gradually increase wages to $12.50 by July 1, 2024 instead of the approved $15 minimum wage.” Natali added, “This is important for farmers who are price takers not price makers.”
The second speaker, farmer Tom Sheppard, Cedarville Farms, spoke on the economic impact of wildlife damage to farmers. One example he gave was a personal one, of 23 acres of romaine lettuce that he planted, half was damaged by wildlife at a loss of $50,000.
He explained the need and the cost of the installation of temporary deer fencing.
The coalition recognized Sen. Robert Andrzejcak (D-1st) who while serving as an assemblyman was chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Andrzejczak stated that the honor was not necessary because he was “just doing his job.”  Andrzejczak also stated that one of his goals was to create an Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in the Senate. Applause showed the group supported that idea.
The current chair of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Eric Houghtaling said, “Our role is to make sure farmers are successful and to find out how we can help.” Also in attendance was 1st District Assemblyman Matt Milam who is serving on the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
What takes place in Trenton affects the agriculture community. Doug Fisher, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture stated, “It is important for the New Jersey agricultural community to be heard. Working together as a coalition shows us there is a common thread. Six high-producing agricultural counties were represented. It came across to me that labor is a substantial issue for farmers not only the price tag but the availability of labor.”
The New Jersey Farm Bureau, NJFB, consists of one representative from each Board of Agriculture in the state. Allen Carter, a member of the Cape May County Board of Agriculture and vice president of the NJFB stated, “It is a grassroots organization for farmers since farmers have limited time, our organization allows their voices to be heard by bringing their issues to state officials.”  
Greater understanding of the needs of the agricultural community, can translate into funding. Carter explained, “Farmers benefit greatly by Rutgers’ research facilities throughout the state, including the facility in Bridgeton that helps farmers by developing value added products that enable farmers to get the most out of their crops.”
Carter, who works in the turfgrass business, added, “Rutgers has the premier research and development program for turf grass. Seed varieties were created at Rutgers Turf Grass Center to grow new grass varieties that stay greener longer.”
Additionally, Rutgers’ scientists develop new varieties of plants and vegetables, make recommendations for chemical applications to use to prevent diseases and help with climate adjustment issues.
“We were successful in getting an additional $2.5 Million added to the Experimental Station budget last year and are working to secure the same this year. It is also why we are lobbying for more funding for Rutgers Cooperative Capital improvements,” continued Carter.
According to Ryck Suydam, president of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, “The difference between events like this one and other gatherings, such as the State Agriculture Convention, is that we were able to focus more on the particular issues that farmers need addressed.”
Jenny Carleo, county agent, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, stated, “American farmers benefit all of us. Hearing their concerns firsthand at an event like this is irreplaceable. I was so pleased to see our local legislators participate and listen to the needs of all farmers in South Jersey, so they can take action where we need it most.”
County elected officials were also on hand to support farmers. Cumberland County Freeholder Director Joseph Derella attended the meeting and likened it to the Southern Jersey Freeholders’ Association and the benefits that counties have gained by working together and speaking in one voice.
Derella said, “Agriculture is an integral part of our economy is south jersey and we need our farms to thrive and it is important for elected officials to stay informed and know their needs so that we can take actions that help them to flourish not hurt them.”
Cumberland County Freeholder Joe Sparacio, is the owner of Sparacio Farms. He has served as freeholder since January 2017 and serves as the freeholder liaison to the Department of Agriculture.
Sparacio stressed that as a farmer he knows first-hand how elected officials can impact the livelihood of farmers in positive and negative ways. So as both a farmer and an elected official, he has worked to educate his fellow freeholders in Cumberland County.
Other elected official in attendance included First District Assemblymen Bruce Land, Second District Assemblyman John Armato, Cumberland County Freeholders Carol Musso, George Castellini, and Jack Surrency, and Atlantic County Freeholders Amy Gatto, Chairwoman, James A. Bertino, Ashley Bennett, Caren Fitzpatrick, and John Risley.
With the turnout at this first coalition event expectations are even greater as they look ahead to next year.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state. It is beneficial for farmers to speak as one voice and for legislators to listen, my self-included, and we heard their concerns and are listening to what they have to say,” concluded  Secretary Fisher.