FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 14, 2019
Contact: Matt Holt, Freeholder
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USDA Report: Number of Farms Increase In Hunterdon County
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Agriculture continues to grow in Hunterdon County, as evidenced by the most recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture report, released in October, that showed an 11% increase in the number of farms in the County over the last five years, aided substantially by the County farmland preservation program, Freeholder Matt Holt reported at the November 6th Freeholder meeting.
Holt, the Freeholders’ liaison for Planning and Land Use, reported, “The Freeholders have consistently set aside farmland acres, contributing significantly to preserving an agricultural community here in the county.
Maintaining Hunterdon County’s rural character has been a long-term goal and we have made great strides in achieving that goal. We appreciate those efforts being recognized by the USDA’s report that showed not only an 11% increase in the number of Hunterdon County farms, but also a 5% increase in the amount of farmland acreage.”
Holt, having served on the Freeholder Board since 2007, stated, “Over the years, working with our farm owners, the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC), the County’s Agricultural Board, and municipalities, nearly 34,000 acres have been preserved.
A state leading 437 farms have been preserved and because of outside funding sources, like the SADC, these preserved acres have been achieved with a low cost to the county’s open space trust fund.
The Planning Department staff deserves recognition for their vigilant search for funding sources through grants, non-profits and federal funding, which have allowed us to maximize our preservation opportunities.”
“Agriculture is an important part of Hunterdon County’s economy. With agritourism, co-op farming and Farmer’s Markets becoming increasingly popular, the Freeholders believe it’s more important than ever to stay the course in Hunterdon County and keep farmland preservation a priority.
Through the preservation efforts that guarantee the land will only be used for agricultural purposes for generations to come, Hunterdon County will continue to give security to our farming community and help it to thrive,” the Freeholder concluded.
To review the Census of Agriculture County Profile, 2017, copy and paste the address into your browser:
