Our Story
Proudly Grown in South Jersey
About 150 years ago, New Jersey's nickname, the "Garden State," was coined. Today, that legacy continues on farms across South Jersey, producing fresh, locally grown food and agricultural products enjoyed throughout the region and beyond. Small and regional farms feed millions, strengthen local economies, and help preserve farmland and open space. Grown in South Jersey celebrates these farms and supports their continued success, helping ensure they remain viable and feed our communities for generations to come.
It Started with South Jersey FEAST
Vision
Funded by a 2024 USDA Regional Food System Partnership planning grant to Pinelands Alliance, in partnership with NJ Food Democracy Collaborative, SJ FEAST (South Jersey Farmers Equity and Sustainability Team) aims to expand market access and opportunities for South Jersey Farmers.
We envision South Jersey as a region where:
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Farming thrives and farmers choose to stay and grow.
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Thriving small and regional farms feed their communities through diverse, resilient and reliable market channels.
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Residents value and actively seek out food grown and raised in the region, supported by a strong and trusted Grown in South Jersey brand that drives consumer demand.
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Farmers and food supply chain businesses are drawn to the region by strong local and institutional markets, robust processing and distribution infrastructure, accessible training and apprenticeship pathways, and policies that support small and mid-sized agricultural operations.
A Collaborative Process
In 2025 and early 2026, farmers and stakeholders across southern New Jersey came together to determine the highest priority needs and most impactful ways that they could work together, which include:
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Increase access to co-packing and expand and improve value-added products made from their harvests.
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Sharing key resources, services, and equipment to reduce burden and costs on individual farms.
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A regional branding and marketing campaign (Grown in South Jersey) to increase customer demand for products grown and raised in South Jersey and increase foot-traffic to farms and farmers markets in the region.
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Supporting small producers in the region with access to wholesale and institutional markets, including facilitating aggregation across farms in the region.
Each of these priorities has a work plan developed by the group. Small working groups consisting of farmers and food system stakeholders in South Jersey formed to keep driving them forward. Team members from Pinelands Alliance are leading each working group.
Are You a Farmer?
Are you farming in South Jersey? Contact Annie Preston at annie@pinelandsalliance.org to learn how you can become part of the Grown in South Jersey campaign.
The SJ FEAST Team
A robust steering committee was formed to guide SJ FEAST's goals and initiatives.