New Jersey farm gets $100,000 state agritourism grant

State officials visited Abma's Farm, a farm in Hillsborough, to highlight a $100,000 state grant used to construct a new educational pavilion. Representatives from the New Jersey Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, and Legislative District 16 toured the farm on November 9.

The funding came from the state agritourism grant program, which launched to help agricultural businesses expand educational opportunities and attract visitors. The 2,000-square-foot, open-air pavilion will provide a permanent space for community activities and hands-on learning. In partnership with Somerset County 4-H and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the farm plans to offer farm tours, planting and harvesting activities, cooking demonstrations, and lessons on sustainable agriculture.

According to state officials, the program received more than 440 applications requesting over $36 million during its first year. A total of 71 agricultural businesses across 16 counties received funding, with an average award of about $70,000. Assemblyman Roy Freiman sponsored the legislation establishing the Agritourism Fund in 2023.

The funding is administered through the New Jersey Department of State's Division of Travel and Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.