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Where our food comes from and how it is grown has a profound effect on our landscapes, our health, and the communities where we live. Farms are stewards of our water, forests, air and natural habitats and we believe that agriculture is a keystone to a healthy and meaningful existence. Sustainable farmers also know that healthy ecosystems are an asset to every farm. Farms that support biodiversity tend to be more resistant to disease and pests while resilient in the face of adverse weather episodes such as drought. Happily, more and more people are making this connection.
It is on the basis of this vision that Foodshed Alliance and New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) have entered a partnership to cooperate on projects that benefit sustainable agriculture and natural ecosystems in Northwest Jersey . Through their efforts to connect farmers with federal and state conservation programs, which provide financial support to farmers using certain sustainable practices, NJAS has recognized the connections between farming and preserving the integrity of natural ecosystems. Impressively, their leadership is committed to helping to foster the growth of agriculture in Northwest Jersey .
As a first step, NJAS is organizing seasonal “ecotourism” birding trips at Foodshed Alliance member farms that are host to ideal bird habitat. These trips will bring NJAS members (now over 22,000 state-wide) to farms in groups of 10-25. This is an excellent chance for you to build relationships with people who care about the future of farming and sustainability—the kind of people who make committed thoughtful customers .
For more information about how to get involved in this effort to connect conservation-minded farmers and consumers, contact John Parke, NJAS Conservation Planner and Restoration Ecologist. John believes, as we do, that what we eat and how we grow and raise our food can shape our world. If you are interested in participating, contact John at NJAS. Y Where our food comes from and how it is grown has a profound effect on our landscapes, our Where our food comes from and how it is grown has a profound effect on our landscapes, our ou are also welcome to contact Tara Bowers at Foodshed Alliance. Detailed information is also available through the link “For farmers and landowners.” For information on funding for conservation practices on your farm, read “For farmers and landowners and, if you would like to know more, follow-up with John Parke.
Thank you for taking the time to review the information we have sent you. We are very excited working with NJAS! Please let us know if you have any thoughts or ideas as we move forward. John Parke can be reached via email at john.parke@njaudubon.org or 908-766-5787x18. Contact Tara Bowers at info@foodshedalliance.org or 908-362-7967.