By: Savannah Scarborough, Follow South Jersey Intern
WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J. – To kick off New Jersey’s Fresh season, the Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher and other local officials visited Muth Family Farm, a certified organic farm in Gloucester County.
Muth Family Farm is currently harvesting asparagus, strawberries, spinach, and other greens that you can find, along with other farm-fresh goods, in farmer’s markets and stores around the state that contribute to the overall production of fruits and vegetables valued at approximately $350 million.
“Muth Family Farm has set a standard for how organic growing can be a highly successful venture,” Secretary Fisher said.
According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the state ranks in the top ten in the U.S. for producing many crops, including fourth in asparagus and spinach. In 2022, the New Jersey asparagus crop was valued at $10.5 million, and spinach was valued at $5 million, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reported.
Muth Family Farm, which harvests tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, squash, zucchini, radishes, broccoli, melons, and 30 more crops, originally began as a Community Supported Agriculture operation. The operation eventually grew to more than 400 customers in the state. Due to overwhelming demand, the Muths switched to an on-farm stand to serve more customers in the area and to sell crops wholesale.
“The early crops have come in really nice, and we are anticipating a good year,” said Bob Muth, the man behind the business, along with his wife, Leda. “These crops have been selling well in our market and we are pleased that so many are supporting local agriculture.”
Bob Muth, who also happens to be the president of the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture, is considered an expert by most in vegetable growing and soil husbandry. He has also given many presentations on his expertise. After three years of returning home from Rutgers University, where he studied to help his dad on the farm, he eventually decided to farm full-time.
In 2001, Muth Family Farm received its certification in organic farming and has since grown produce throughout the season. As part of the organic practice, to source organic matter, the Muths use leaves from the municipality to spread over the fields. By doing this, their soil has a dark rich color and full organic matter.
Additionally, to allow the unused land to replenish during the off-season, the family uses a crop rotation system by dividing plots of land into a half-acre or one acre.
“The ability to use organic practices has allowed the farm to keep a rich and vibrant soil base to grow an outstanding variety of crops. We encourage consumers to support our farmers by purchasing locally grown produce wherever it is sold,” Secretary Fisher said.
To learn more about the Muth Family Farm and to check out the daily market hours visit www.muthfamilyfarm.com.
To learn more about New Jersey Fresh produce in season and where it is sold, visit FindJerseyFresh.com.
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