FARM SUMMIT 2025
On March 12, 2025, the Monmouth County Division of Planning, in collaboration with the Monmouth County Agriculture Development Board, welcomed over 100 attendees to our Farm Summit. Participants enjoyed an engaging networking event prior to the formal program commencement, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow members of the agricultural community.
The evening featured insightful opening remarks from Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone and Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, along with New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Wengryn. Karyn Malinowski, Ph.D., Professor and Founding Director of Rutgers Equine Science Center gave an
overview of the equine industry which was followed by a panel discussion on the impact of the Freehold Raceway closure. Current and potential preserved farm owners received an informative
presentation on stewardship and available resources presented by Harriet Honigfeld from the Monmouth County Division of Planning. William Errickson Ph.D., from Rutgers Cooperative Extension/NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, gave an
update on the nursery sector. Lastly, attendees heard from The New Jersey Farm Bureau and Monmouth County Board of Agriculture and their roles in the community. Click
here to view the full agenda.
Throughout the event, representatives from various organizations, including the Monmouth County Board of Health, Monmouth County Mosquito Control, Monmouth County Reclamation Department, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Freehold Soil, the State Agriculture Development Committee, Monmouth Conservation Foundation, the Department of Agriculture, Grown in Monmouth, USDA Farm Service Agency, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service were present to address questions and engage with attendees.
We value your feedback! If you attended the event, please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing our brief 3-question survey or by emailing us at FarmSummit2025@co.monmouth.nj.us. If you're a preserved farm owner please indicate that in your email, we would love to know how the event benefited you. Thank you!
or call Charlene Kiley 732-431-7460 ext. 7478
