Think Google, but for Salem County farmers and consumers.
The New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF), in partnership with the Salem County Board of Agriculture and DiscoverSalemCounty.com, has launched www.SalemCountyAgritourism.com to promote everything agriculture related in Salem County.
"Agritourism is farm-based tourism that promotes visitations and patronage of local farms," said Fran Rapa, Woodstown resident and the Delaware Bay Watershed project manager for NJCF. "The Web site includes marketing for wineries, produce stands, farmers markets, farms producing honey and any other farmers attempting direct-to-market sale."
The Web site was funding from a grant from the William Penn Foundation.
Rapa explained that the goal of the site is to attract buyers into the county and to aid the farmers - something that the NJCF has done since 1960.
The site includes when different fruits and vegetables are in season, where local farm markets and garden centers can be found, "U-Pick" farms that offer families a chance to pick their own produce and even a link to farming festivals - and virtually anything farming based.
"We looked at agritourism around the country and locally in the state. Agritourism has really grown in leaps and bounds in the state, and we saw an opportunity here," said Rapa. "The key (for the Web site) is direct marketing and promoting local produce."
A recent study released by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture showed that statewide, agritourism generated more than $57 million in 2006.
In addition, the study indicated that for every dollar spent at an agritourism destination, an additional 58 cents was spent at other local businesses such as restaurants and shops - totaling more than $33 million in 2006.
"One of the most important effective ways that we can keep farming economically viable is to encourage people to support local farms," said Michele Byers, the executive director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "Buying local is a great way to ensure that you're getting fresh, healthy food and supporting your local economy and community."
Planning for the Web site began in February in a meeting between NJCF and local groups in Salem County. In the meeting, farmers expressed the need for marketing, something they believed would increase revenue in the area.
"Farming is what we (Salem County) have to offer. Farming is what we are all about," said Freeholder Bruce Bobbitt. "Anything we can do to help promote farming is a win-win. I think it is a good program and idea."
The original goal was to launch the Web site prior to the county fair, but Rapa explained doing it now would not affect the purpose.
"We got a little behind the intended timeline. While we're not having any give-aways, we felt there was no better time to release than at the Salem County Fair," said Rapa. "At the fair, people get to come together and talk about things that benefit farming. And hopefully they can talk about the site."
Rapa admitted that the site is still a work in progress. It does provide farmers a link at the bottom of the page to offer feedback, suggestions, corrections, or any additional information.
"Agritourism is a tremendous benefit to farmers and their surrounding community," said Freeholder Beth Timberman, chair of the County Planning and Transportation Committee. "Agritourism has to be a major part of the county's marketing campaign aimed at bringing more tourism revenue to the garden spot of the garden state. Agritourism provides more revenue to the farmer, highlights the accomplishments and work of the farming community, and provides a unique niche for the county in a competitive tourism market. It is a win-win situation."
"Salem County is the statewide leader in the production of many crops and we want to make it easy for people to find," said Brian Porch, the president of the Salem County Board of Agriculture. "We appreciate that the NJCF has recognized the need for this service and stepped up to help sponsor this Web site."
Any farmers interested in joining the site can follow the link at the bottom of the page or can contact Rapa at 769-0816.