NJDA Announces 2nd RFP for Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program

Last Friday, the NJDA closed the Request for Proposals (RFP) period for our Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program. Due to a recent increase in interest in the program, we have decided to extend a second RFP window to members of our specialty crop community who qualify. The second RFP will be open to the public starting May 10th, with the final application deadline now May 31st @ 5PM.

A number of exciting applications from members of NJ’s specialty crop community were received during this first application period. To expedite the review process, all applications submitted prior to May 3rd will be reviewed over the next few weeks. Applicants from the first RFP period can expect a funding decision following the NJ Board of Agriculture meeting on May 22nd. Applicants who apply during the second RFP period can expect a decision following the June 26th NJ Board of Agriculture meeting.

For those interested in learning more about this program, the NJDA will be hosting a webinar to promote the Underserved, Beginning and Military Veteran Farmers Mini-Grant Program on Friday, May 10th at 11 am EDT. Please join to learn more about the program guidelines, eligibility, and application process. Q&A will follow the presentation.  Registration is not required. A recording of the webinar will be available for those who are unable to attend.

More information about the program is available at the following links:

Program Webinar – May 10th at 11am.

Program Webpage

Application for Cost-Share Grant Funding for Installation of Deer Fencing on UNPRESERVED Farmland – Out NOW

“The NJDA Deer Fencing Program makes cost-sharing funding available for the installation of deer fencing on unpreserved farms. The program is conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A 4:40-6.1.”

Please click here for the full application, eligibility, and other important information

Timing is important if considering this program. NJDA began accepting applications on 5/15/23.

 

2022 NJ Ag Convention & Trade Show Update – Pesticide Credits Posted

The final program agenda for the educational sessions of the 2022 NJ Ag Convention & Trade Show with assigned pesticide re-certification credits has been posted at the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ website:  vganj.com on the ‘Schedule’ tab. Pesticide credits will only be issued to those attending and signing the roster in the educational sessions in Atlantic City. There are no options for viewing presentations online.

There has been some confusion about COVID-19 protocols for attending. The NJ Department of Agriculture/State Board of Agriculture sessions and meal functions (luncheons and banquet) will have strict masking and pre-testing requirements to enter those rooms per memo from Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher earlier this week. There will be some on-site testing opportunities available in case you are unable to be tested before getting to Atlantic City.

However, these mandates are not requirements, though highly recommended, for attending the educational sessions or the trade show portions of this event. There will be some masks available throughout the conference venue.

Hope to see you there!

COVID-19 Vaccines Still Available For Farmworkers

At the request of the New Jersey Departments of Health and Agriculture, please read the following message:

Our offices are working diligently to ensure that all farmworkers are protected against COVID-19 for the fall season – to that end, we have developed a new survey to assess the migrant and seasonal farm worker population for the fall and to identify focus areas for COVID-19 vaccination support. We would greatly appreciate if you could please fill out the survey here (even if all your workers are already vaccinated for COVID-19): http://healthsurveys.nj.gov/NoviSurvey/n/zz2q2.aspx. Any information you provide will be confidential and used solely for supporting COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

Additionally, if any of your workers are not yet vaccinated for COVID-19 and are interested in receiving a vaccine, please feel free to contact Omolola Taiwo, Ph.D,  MPA, Executive Director, Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, Division of Community Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health, at njmsfw@doh.nj.gov.  Our team will ensure that you are connected with the appropriate resources to keep your workforce healthy.

Thank you for your support in keeping our farm communities safe and healthy!

NJ Secretary of Ag Fisher Addresses Governor’s Executive Order #243

NJ Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #243 rescinding EO#107 which requires employers to accommodate tele-work options for employees, and also lifts indoor mask mandates and 6ft social distancing requirements for vaccinated employees working indoors in businesses not open to public. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher has provided a summary of the changes that may impact agriculture operations. The full text of his letter is attached here.

Letter from Secretary Fisher Regarding Governor’s Executive Order #242 Lifting Major COVID-19 Restrictions

NJ Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #242 lifting major COVID-19 restrections and moving forward with the state’s most significant reopening steps to date. Indoor mask mandates and 6ft social distancing requirements will be lifted this Friday, May 28, and indoor gathering/capacity limits will be lifted on June 4. Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher has provided a summary of the changes that may impact agriculture operations. The full text of his letter is attached here.