Rutgers Cooperative Extension is continuing its Ultra-Niche Crop Series with the upcoming workshop “Farming Basil.” This workshop, the fifth class in the Ultra-Niche educational series for farmers seeking new crop opportunities, will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., simultaneously in Cape May Court House, Bordentown and Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Ultra-Niche Crops are defined as exceptionally high-value crops that can provide a significant source of income to the farmer while using a minimal amount of land. In this session, farmers will learn how to grow, market and sell basil and how to make practical decisions on marketing and crop production.
“Basil is an excellent fresh market herb to grow on small-acreages for direct sales to restaurants, farmer’s markets, and specialty grocery stores. This tender annual is appealing to growers because of the constant demand from consumers,” said Jenny Carleo, the County Agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County and the Ultra-Niche Series Project Director.
The workshop will feature a 20-minute “Virtual Field Trip” video on the production and marketing of basil, as well as, a speakers’ panel that includes basil farmer, Taylor James of Flipside Farms, a community-supported agriculture operation in Somerset County and basil buyer, Mikey Azzara, Founder of Zone 7, a New Jersey-based farm fresh distribution service that connects farmers with restaurants, grocers, schools, and more throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
There is a diverse market for basil. Fresh market basil can be sold at roadside markets, community supported agriculture operations (CSAs), farmer’s markets, grocery stores, or restaurants. “But, it is important to consider the customer you are selling to when deciding on which varieties or basil types to grow as this will be a major factor in your success,” added Carleo.
Participants will be led through worksheets to guide them in determining whether or not growing basil is right for them, their acreage, and their situation. The cost for this workshop is $20 and includes a dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Jenny Carleo at (609) 465-5115 or email Jennifer Matthews at JLM479@njaes.rutgers.edu. To register go to Eventbrite: https://rutgerscmcag.eventbrite.com. The deadline to register is September 22, 2017.
To find out more about the Rutgers Ultra-Niche Crops Project, please go to https://njaes.rutgers.edu/ultra-niche-crops/
The Rutgers Ultra-Niche Crops Project is sponsored by a grant from the USDA-NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program with the purpose of giving new and beginning farmers an introduction to crops that can help them make more money on less land.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s education programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
