The U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2022 Census of Agriculture, released Tuesday, indicates that New Jersey’s agricultural industry added 115 new farms, bringing the total to 9,998. This increase contrasts with the national trend, which saw a 7 percent decrease in the number of farms across the United States.
“It is encouraging to see that more residents of our State are taking a deeper interest in our industry by becoming more heavily involved in agriculture,” said New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III. “This shows there are opportunities to farm in our State. The Census data also confirms how we continue to grow a wide variety of crops to meet the diverse needs of our residents. It’s a great credit to our farmers who continue to adapt to meet the most current demands of consumers.”
New Jersey’s overall agricultural products sold increased from just over $1.1 billion in 2017 to almost $1.5 billion in 2022. The nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod industry remains New Jersey’s leading agricultural sector with sales nearing $725 million—an increase of $225 million from the previous census. New Jersey ranks fifth nationally in nursery stock sales at $296 million and third in potted flowering plant sales at $77.5 million.
The vegetable industry is New Jersey’s second highest sector in sales at nearly $295 million, followed by fruits and berries at nearly $200 million. These top three sectors account for more than 80 percent of total sales for New Jersey agriculture. The Census also highlighted that New Jersey continues to be among the top producers nationally for several crops: eggplant (No. 3), cranberries (No. 4), asparagus (No. 4), and blueberries (No. 5). Other crops where New Jersey ranks within the top ten include peaches, plums, bell peppers, spinach, bok choy, escarole, kale, and romaine lettuce.
Agritourism has seen significant growth as well, increasing from more than $18 million in total sales in the 2017 census to over $29 million.
Despite these gains, the amount of land dedicated to farming in New Jersey decreased slightly to nearly 712,000 acres from the previous census figure of 734,000 acres—a reduction consistent with national trends showing a decrease of about two percent.
The expense associated with farming in New Jersey rose by an average of $37,000 per farm annually; this increase is lower than the national average rise exceeding $60,000 per farm.
Conducted since 1840, the Census of Agriculture provides comprehensive data on all U.S. farms and ranches and their operators. More detailed information will be released throughout 2024 including county-level data and congressional district profiles.
