Shaping the Organic Farming Movement in NJ
Since its inception in 1985, NOFA-NJ has shaped the organic growing movement in New Jersey and nationally through policy action, events, and outreach. In cooperation with many partners and coalitions in all arenas of the food and environmental realm, NOFA-NJ’s policy work has impacted development and implementation of national organic standards, development of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) approved materials list, and the formation of State of New Jersey’s organic certification program. In 2000, NOFA-NJ was awarded a delegate seat at New Jersey’s Annual Agricultural convention.
NOFA-NJ’S Policy Efforts work to encourage policies and regulations that support sustainable farms and farmers, specifically.
- Access to land opportunities for beginning and new farmers.
- Economic opportunities for organic farmers in the state.
- Support for the government entities that support organic growing practices, including the programs within the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, NJ Department of Agriculture and Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Experiment Station.
- Oppose regulation that supports the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms, and other agricultural practices that are detrimental to natural plant systems, degrade water quality or damage soil fertility in the region.
SADC ISSUES ALARM ABOUT LARGE SCALE SOLAR EXPANSION ON FARMLAND
During a meeting of the SADC (State Agricultural Development Committee) on Feb 25, 2021, the goals within the 2019 NJ Energy Master Plan- Pathway to 2050, https://www.nj.gov/emp/docs/pdf/2020_NJBPU_EMP.pdf were presented, which discussed large scale solar utility...
Brief update on BIPOC Farmer Assistance in the COVID Relief Package
The Senate is now debating the $1.9 billion covid relief package, which includes some BIPOC farmer assistance. Those provisions are based on a bill the Booker, Warnock et al introduced recently. Here’s a quick summary of the Ag and Nutrition provisions of the bill. ...
Booker Appointed to Senate Agriculture Committee
Washington, DC -- US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has been appointed to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, one of the oldest Senate committees whose jurisdiction focuses on agriculture, nutrition, food, and hunger. In addition to Booker, Sen....