The Somerset County Farmland Preservation Program participated in a local working group event last month that invited the public and farmers to learn about programs available through agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Protection.
The Somerset County Farmland Preservation Program does far more than securing agricultural land for future generations.
The Somerset County Agriculture Development Board (SCDAB) and Preservation Staff work together on Right to Farm issues, educating the public and municipal officials about the importance of agriculture in our community while aiding farmers with issues that may arise from a lack of the public’s understanding about the specific needs of their operation, according to county officials.
Additionally, the Farmland Preservation Program focuses extensively on education and outreach, working alongside schools within the county to share resources about agriculture, farmers, and fun facts about what happens on the farm. They have coloring books in the local libraries and are available at the 4H Fair.
Want to learn about more ways to dive into agriculture?
- March 21: Ag Day – join us online for our After the Harvest storymap and videos or visit your local library to pick up a coloring book, agriculture trading cards, and more.
- April 11: Farmer Resource Fair – 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Somerset County 4-H, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater – if you are a farmer, or are interested in getting into agriculture, join us for a resource opportunity to receive grant information, technical support, a pesticide CORE credit, and more.
Since the SCADB’s inception in 1983, they have successfully preserved over 8,900 acres of farmland in the county, with the assistance of our municipalities, the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, and the State Agriculture Development Committee, according to its website.
