When we prioritize local, Organic food, we prioritize the health and well-being of our families, our community, and the environment. Will you make Organic a priority by supporting NOFA NJ?
As NOFA-NJ celebrates 40 years of positive impact in the Garden State, we’re looking ahead at what’s to come. We’re responding to an increased farmer demand for technical support services, market development, and access to capital. We’re keeping alive the community ties that have enabled farmers to provide support, share resources, and learn from one another. We’re connecting the dots between producers and consumers, educators and students, chefs and eaters and everyone in-between, making food is less transactional, more local, and community-oriented.
Our work is dynamic, our team is versatile, and we’re affecting positive change on all levels, taking time to work one-on-one with local producers while also collaborating on state, regional, and national efforts to improve our food systems. On top of that, we’re finding ways to have fun with food! Join NOFA NJ in creating a more Organic, more local, and more Earth-friendly future!
Since 1985, NOFA NJ has supported Organic Farms & Organic Food with the support of private donors, sponsors, foundations, and state & government grants. In 2021, the NOFA NJ Organic Future Fund (OFF) was created with the goal of providing funding for another 40 years of Organic support and advocacy. Contributions to the OFF can be in the form of cash, stocks, bonds, or other assets and help NOFA NJ ensure financial stability for years to come. Read more about the OFF in the Organic Future Fund FAQ
NOFA NJ is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization (EIN 22-3043823). As such, our Board of Directors and Staff prioritize transparency and efficiency, striving to make the most of the support we receive. Donors are welcome to review our GuideStar Profile as well as our most recent IRS Form 990.
2024 NOFA NJ Highlights
- Increased NOFA NJ Membership to 550+ Members
- Hosted 75+ educational events with 2,000+ attendees throughout the entire state
- Purchased & renovated a community kitchen in Milford, NJ to support farmer processing activities
- Awarded $250,000 in Mini-Grants to 27 small NJ farms to improve critical infrastructure
- Granted $50,000 to Outdoor Equity Alliance to support student AgriHood Program
- Produced a feature-length documentary on NJ grain production (to be released in 2025)
- Provided critical advocacy & support in creating NJ’s first Organic & Regenerative Farming Board
- Created a dedicated Organic Technical Assistance Provider position within NOFA NJ Staff
- Provided 75+ hours of grant-writing education and 1:1 support to 100+ farm participants
- Helped the launch of Veteran Farmers of New Jersey; hosted Rally Day & Farm Boot Camp events
- Successfully managed 10+ grant projects, bringing project funding, technical assistance, land access, education, financial support, and more to farmers and stakeholders throughout NJ
A top priority for NOFA NJ is providing direct farmer support services. In 2023, I became acquainted with a pair of beginning farmers who attended NOFA NJ’s Farmer Wellness Day, where we helped cover the cost of farmer self-care at a local spa. I encouraged the farmers to join us as presenters for the 34th Annual Winter Conference, where they shared a great presentation on their diversified business. Soon after, we awarded their farm a Mini-Grant, which helped to drastically expand their production and sales. In the Summer, they broke their market day records at our annual FesTomato! event. All along, the pair has been engaged with NOFA NJ - attending events, joining in our Weekly Technical Assistance Meetings, and helping us connect with more farmers in their region. Their story is just one of many examples of how NOFA NJ is providing hands-on support to Organic farms and local food businesses.
Gift of Assets:
Planned Giving:
NOFA NJ “Wish List” Items (contact [email protected] for details):
- Utility Trailer(s)
- Farming Tools & Implements for our Equipment Lending Library
- Commercial Kitchen Equipment & Supplies