History of Middlesex County Agriculture

Middlesex County was primarily an Agricultural community in the early 1800's with about 16,000 residents comprised primarily of English, Dutch or Scottish descent. Both sides of the Raritan River were then covered with either pastures or grain crops. By the end of the 1800's the population soared from 45,000 to 80,000 due to the mass increase in immigration. Up until the 1960's there were many potato and dairy farms scattered throughout the county. Middlesex County farmers consistently produced some of the highest potato yields in the country. In fact, the soils throughout the southern portion of the county are still considered some of the most productive in the nation.

Productive well drained soils are also ideal for building lots, and the building boom over the past four decades has exploded into a population of over 700,000 people in the county.

However, agriculture is still "alive and well" thanks to the hard work and determination of its farmers. Our farmers have indeed proven themselves as some of the best in the nation. The fact that two Middlesex County farmers (Jim Giamarese in 1989 and Bobby VonThun in 2001) have been selected for the National "Outstanding Young Farmer" award in recent years, is a testament to the quality of farming present in our county. Everyone in the agricultural community is very proud of the contributions that each farmer has made in enriching the economic, environmental and nutritional health of Middlesex County.

There are over 120 full & part-time farmers left in Middlesex County, farming over 19,000 acres of land. Most of the farmland is located in the southern portion of the county in the Cranbury, Monroe and Plainsboro area. Farmland comprises about 10% of the 203,000 acres in the county. Farming practices are changing to reflect the decreasing size of the farms. Many farmers are turning to more intensive types of agriculture, such as vegetable or fruit production. The advantage of this change lies in the ability of farmers to directly market their produce to the consumer, thus eliminating the middleman. The direct marketing approach has been tremendously
successful for the grower and the consumer. This approach allows consumers the opportunity to buy high quality, nutritious produce and enables the farmers to market their crop locally.

Roadside markets and "Pick-Your-Own" operations are becoming very popular throughout the state. With easy access for the consumer, they quickly discover the high quality of "Jersey Fresh" produce. Once consumers indulge themselves, they realize that it's worth the drive for sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupes, and many other fruits and vegetables sold fresh every day.

Middlesex County farmers face many challenges due to the development pressures and regulations, which makes it difficult
to farm. The farmers who remain however, are determined to produce the highest quality and most nutritious produce for their customers.

Our farmers are committed to economically and environmentally sound farming practices, which will secure the future of farming for generations to come. Support the future of farming in Middlesex County by seeking out and buying locally grown farm products.
Become a friend of agriculture and help preserve our proud tradition as stewards of the Earth.

Bill Hlubik
Middlesex Co. Agricultural Agent
2002