Hunterdon County Launches Farm Stand Website

The Hunterdon County Planning Board, through the efforts of its summer intern Kelly Thomas, has spent the last two months gathering data, visiting farm stands and building a farm stand/farm market directory and website with the County IT staff. The directory can be found on the Web at www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/farmstands.htm.

The directory will include some unique farm types in Hunterdon County, including a fig-tree farm, organic popcorn, as well as more traditional seasonal produce, livestock, and nursery products.  We have identified five farmers markets and over forty farm stands located throughout Hunterdon County, and encourage all farmers interested in participating to contact us with your information. More participation is desired to make this a comprehensive collection of all products available throughout Hunterdon County, so if you don’t see your farm stand or market listed, please call 908-788–1490.

The website includes information about all types of local farm stands and markets, from the small roadside stands to larger operations like Dvoor Farmers Market.  The directory will include all types of farm stands and markets, and also include the ability to search by municipality.  We will also have a list of certified natural and certified organic farm stands. The directory will also include a section for frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.) to help new users understand and navigate the site.

As the directory grows, we would like to introduce a keyword search that will allow users to search for farm stands by specific feature; such as “organic”, “free-range” and “Pick your own”.  We will also introduce a comment section that will allow web users to state their experiences at farm stands on farms and market listings.  We intend to expand the categories to include seasonal goods such as Christmas trees and pumpkin picking so Hunterdon County shoppers can find local shopping opportunities and support local agriculture throughout the year.  Again; we must stress the importance of farmers with these types of products to get involved.

The website will also include a calendar for special events, promotions, links to other sites and news on farm stands and markets.  Visitors are encouraged to not only use these farms to buy products but take advantage of offered activities for outdoor family fun. Things like pick your own, petting farms, or hay rides will be advertised seasonally to give Hunterdon County residents and visitors more opportunities to spend quality family time while encouraging agriculture viability. 

Local buying stimulates the Hunterdon County economy; we believe this website will be a valuable tool for Hunterdon County residents, visitors, and farmers.  In addition, it will increase community relations between farmers and residents.  We need your help to capture more information. Farms that are included on the list are encouraged to tell neighboring farms about this directory, as everyone will benefit from a larger site. 

Our  long term goals are to have over 100 farms, a more comprehensive event and promotion calendar, and a variety of product lists to enhance searching capabilities.   If you have an agricultural product or business you would like included, please contact Kelly at 908-788-1490 or via e-mail at kthomas@co.hunterdon.nj.us.