New Jersey earned its nickname, the “Garden State,” due to its long and highly diversified agricultural history. Despite its dense population, farming thrives, covering over 710,000 acres and supporting nearly 10,000 farms. Situated between the massive metropolitan markets of New York City and Philadelphia, the state’s geography provides farmers a competitive advantage for quick distribution. This ensures produce reaches consumers at peak freshness, often within hours of harvest. New Jersey agriculture specializes in high-value, fresh-market crops, benefiting from varied soil types, including the sandy, acidic soils of the southern Pine Barrens.
New Jersey’s Signature Fruit Crops
New Jersey is a nationally recognized producer of specific high-value berry and stone fruit crops, largely grown in the southern counties where the climate and soil conditions are ideal. The state is consistently one of the top producers of cultivated blueberries in the United States, often ranking in the top three for production volume. Highbush blueberries thrive particularly well in the acidic, sandy soil of Atlantic County, especially in the Hammonton area. This specialization allows growers to harvest millions of pounds of the fruit, contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural cash receipts.
Cranberries are another signature fruit, with New Jersey being one of the few states in the country that grows the crop commercially. The cultivation occurs primarily in the unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens, which provides the necessary sandy soil and abundant water resources for the cranberry bogs. New Jersey maintains a position in the top five nationally for cranberry production, utilizing thousands of acres for this specialized harvest. The state’s stone fruit sector is also notable, with peaches consistently placing New Jersey in the top five nationally for production value. Peach varieties like Sentry, Crest Haven, and Jersey Queen are grown, with the harvest season beginning in July and extending through September.
Fresh Market Vegetable Production
The state’s reputation as the “Garden State” is strongly supported by its extensive production of fresh market vegetables, which are sold directly to consumers and regional distributors. Farmers produce a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, taking advantage of the proximity to millions of consumers along the Northeast corridor. Tomatoes are a major crop, with New Jersey consistently ranking in the top ten nationally for their value of production.
Bell peppers are another highly important commodity, often ranking second in the state for production value, with growers harvesting them from thousands of acres. Other vegetables where New Jersey is a national leader include asparagus, typically harvested in the spring from May through June, and sweet corn, which is grown specifically for fresh consumption. A diverse range of other produce is also grown commercially:
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Various leafy greens like spinach and kale
This broad and seasonal output is strongly promoted through the “Jersey Fresh” marketing program, which guarantees a high standard of quality and freshness for consumers.
Field Crops and Bulk Commodities
While high-value fruits and vegetables define the state’s image, field crops occupy the largest acreage of farmland in New Jersey. These bulk commodities are generally grown for purposes other than direct human consumption, such as animal feed, industrial processing, or export. Commodity corn for grain, which is distinct from fresh sweet corn, is a primary field crop, with tens of thousands of acres planted annually. The harvested grain is a significant component of the state’s agricultural output by volume.
Soybeans are another extensively grown bulk commodity, covering large tracts of land across the state. These crops contribute significantly to the total farm economy, even though their value per acre is lower than specialty produce. Other acreage-heavy crops include hay, such as alfalfa and various feed grasses, which support the livestock and equine industries. Winter wheat is also grown as a rotational crop, helping to maintain soil health and provide a winter cover.
Horticultural and Nursery Stock
The highest-value sector in New Jersey’s agriculture, by cash receipts, is the non-food horticultural industry. This industry supplies the densely populated region with ornamental plants and landscaping materials. This sector includes the production of nursery stock, such as shade trees, flowering shrubs, and various ornamental plants. Nursery stock alone often accounts for a substantial percentage of the total sales within the horticulture specialties.
Floriculture, covering cut flowers, potted plants, and annual bedding plants, is another component where New Jersey is consistently ranked among the top states nationally. Greenhouse operations produce bedding and garden plants for both residential and commercial landscaping needs throughout the Northeast. Additionally, the industry includes the growing of sod (turfgrass) for lawns and commercial properties, as well as the cultivation of Christmas trees. This segment generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales.