Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted a roundtable at Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey, bringing together local farmers, state agricultural leaders, and officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the state’s agricultural sector.
Topics at the meeting included securing provisions in the recent Farm Bill reconciliation package, strengthening safety nets for farms, reducing federal regulations, and advancing innovation and sustainability in agriculture throughout New Jersey.
“Those of us in the Garden State know that family-run farms and local growers are at the heart of our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “Our farmers dedicate their lives to growing crops, raising livestock, and cultivating fields that sustain families both at home and across our nation. I am grateful to draw on the voices and experiences of those I met with today as we work to empower farmers, strengthen rural communities, and ensure the vitality of New Jersey agriculture for generations to come.”
Kurt Alstede of Alstede Farms expressed appreciation for Congressman Kean’s engagement with area farmers. “On behalf of all of the farmers in the 7th District, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to speak and interact with Congressman Kean in person on federal agricultural issues,” he said. “These are items that are of great importance to the continued viability of family farm operations in this region of New Jersey and we are all grateful that the Congressman has the level of interest that he does for farmers in the 7th District. This is especially important since the 7th District has the largest concentration of agriculture in Northern New Jersey; and this local farm production contributes immensely to the health and quality of life for all Garden State residents.”
Rick Gardner from the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture noted: “The New Jersey State Board of Agriculture is very grateful to Congressman Kean for holding this roundtable discussion today. Numerous issues impact agriculture in the Garden State presently. Agriculture is still the third largest business in the state of New Jersey. When we improve and protect wholesale agriculture the consumer benefits as well. Again, thank you Congressman Kean for holding today’s meeting. Thanks also to Alstede Farms for hosting today’s event.”
Nicole Kavanaugh from the New Jersey Farm Bureau added: “New Jersey agriculture faces many challenges. Farm Bureau appreciates Representative Kean coming to meet with his farmer constituents to learn more about their issues and concerns.”
Agriculture remains one of New Jersey’s top industries with nearly 10,000 farms covering over 700,000 acres statewide. The sector produces a wide range of commodities such as dairy products, grains, fruits, vegetables, equines, specialty crops among others.
The recently approved reconciliation package (H.R.1) includes several measures supporting American agriculture: updates enhancing programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage and crop insurance; expanded eligibility definitions benefiting beginning farmers; increased federal support making crop insurance more affordable; long-term funding commitments through fiscal year 2031 for conservation initiatives such as EQIP; additional resources for organic certification cost sharing; higher investment into research through programs like Specialty Crop Research Initiative; extended funding for urban farming efforts; increased support targeting specialty crop producers; disaster prevention initiatives; as well as raising estate tax exemptions easing generational farm transfers.
Thomas Kean Jr., who began serving as U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 7th district after replacing Tom Malinowski in 2023 (source), previously served both in the state assembly (2001–2003) and senate (2008–2022). He was born in Livingston in 1968 (source) and resides currently in Westfield.
