By Heather Cooper •
(WASHINGTON, June 23, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is putting Farmers First by investing up to $310 million to expand producer conservation activities across the nation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). USDA’s Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS) is accepting RCPP project proposals now through August 24, 2026, to help farmers, ranchers, […]
By Salvatore Mangiafico •
“Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), kids of all ages can get meals and snacks during the summer at no cost at schools, parks, and other neighborhood locations. SFSP may have a different name where you live, but the benefit is the same: nutritious meals for kids and teens in the summer when school […]
By Heather Cooper •
(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for 2026 US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG). Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture. Most of New Jersey agriculture falls under the specialty crop category. This USDA grant is for agricultural organizations […]
By Heather Cooper •
Seowoo Sophie Lee – Rutgers Plant & Pest Advisory – April 12, 2026 Tomato prices in the United States have risen notably in recent months, driven by a combination of supply constraints, trade policy changes, and rising costs throughout the supply chain. Tomato prices at the consumer level nationwide, as measured by the Consumer Price […]
By Heather Cooper •
Apply by April 13, 2026 HAMILTON SQUARE, N.J., March 13, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE). Applications that meet eligibility and ranking criteria for ACEP-WRE received by April 13, 2026, will be […]
By Heather Cooper •
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the enrollment periods for agriculturalproducers and landowners to submit offers for the Continuous and General Conservation ReserveProgram (CRP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for Continuous CRP starting Feb.12, 2026, through March 20, 2026. Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9, 2026, through […]
By Heather Cooper •
USDA Atlantic- Cape May- Cumberland County Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers ofapproaching application deadlines for purchasing risk coverage for some crops through theNoninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). NAP provides financial assistance toproducers of non-insurable crops impacted by natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses,or prevented crop planting. NAP covers losses from […]
By Heather Cooper •
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) is designed to assist agricultural producers in developingnew products, expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing their income through value-addedactivities. Maximum grant awards for working capital are $200,000 and $50,000 for planning grants.Individuals can apply for the planning grant for feasibility studies, developing business plan, etc andthen the following year come […]
By Heather Cooper •
FSA guaranteed loans allow lenders to provide agricultural credit to farmers who do not meet thelender’s normal underwriting criteria. Farmers and ranchers apply for a guaranteed loan through alender, and the lender arranges for the guarantee. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss ofprincipal and interest on a loan. Guaranteed loans can […]
By Heather Cooper •
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering more than $16 billion in total Congressionallyapproved disaster relief. FSA is now accepting applications for assistance through the second stageof the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) from agricultural producers who sufferedeligible non-indemnified, uncovered or quality crop losses due to qualifying natural disasters in 2023and 2024. Stage Two covers […]
By Heather Cooper •
(TRENTON) – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant HealthInspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s (NJDA) Division ofAnimal Health have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercialbird farm in Burlington County. The disease response is being coordinated between State andFederal partners. This case […]
By Heather Cooper •
USDA Atlantic- Cape May- Cumberland County Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of approaching application deadlines for purchasing risk coverage for some crops through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops impacted by natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses, or prevented crop planting. […]
By Heather Cooper •
Wes Kline, Agricultural Agent Time is running out to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for 2025 which opened Jan. 1, 2025, and runs through Jan. 31, 2026. The program has been expanded to include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop […]
By Heather Cooper •
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2025— The Trump Administration recently appointedRobert Andrzejczak as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA FarmService Agency (FSA) in New Jersey. Andrzejczak joined the New Jersey FSA teamon Aug. 11, 2025. “When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This newgroup of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America […]
By Heather Cooper •
This is the chance for eligible fresh fruit and vegetable growers to recover some of their expenses for implementing food safety practices on their farms.For 2025: Eligible specialty crop operations can apply for Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC)by working directly with the local Farm Service Agency office. You may also call 877-508-8364 tospeak […]