NJ farmers rally to oppose end of state's Ag department

More than 500 farmers and their supporters in the agriculture industry business rallied in Trenton this morning against Gov. Jon Corzine's plan to eliminate the state Department of Agriculture and scatter its duties throughout the state government. (Video by John O'Boyle)

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[littleStomata]

If you farmers will forgive my audacity to even write this remark--If you all would demand of our state and governor--the conversion of the Dept. of Ag. from overseeing farming such as it was, to supporting bringing you all up to date in the market which is certainly going this way--

I believe you would save your careers and gain in the health of your families. As a mom and sister: so often men are willing to be tough and put up with all kinds of dangers. Wives and kids live with the results.

[littleStomata]

Importing produce and other foods means more trucks--big, 18 wheel trucks yet awaiting regulation to clean them up industry-wide and give the truckers the security of a job everywhere welcome--trucking through our roads and spewing. With insecure times ahead, it's vital that we keep our farms alive and kicking. The strategy for these times must be to produce food locally, not let it get lost in the development shuffle.

[littleStomata]

Surely we are all acutely aware of the ongoing growth in our need to conserve resources, fuel included, and to develope our local resources.

[littleStomata]

This is EXACTLY the time we need to GIVE EXTRA ATTENTION to DEVELOP the PROMOTION of our farmers and agriculture industry in New Jersey.

Governor Corzine, I don't know what your background is, but if you are not a farmboy, I believe it would behoove you as the governor of our state to make food production and agriculture resources a topic of great interest for the future of our state and economics.

[littleStomata]

NJ farming--local grown food is poised for an explosion of demand and just the thing we need now. A peek into any high end magazine or supermarket will tell that people can't get enough--especially if it's organic. I'm citing those to point out that there's an economic base for this. I read, hear, meet interested people, people are working on this--we can further nurture our New Jersey agriculture and get that local high quality food to everyone.

[iluvjesusdoyou]

did any1 see all of the tractors that were there o my more than 100 i would say !!!! Did u see the Stieger??? Corzine is NUTS!!!! LEAVE US ALONE CORZINE!!!

[crazy2ski]

I also listened to the assembly hearing today, nothing like some government boob from the administration (Who probably has never step foot on a farm) and who clearly had no answers for the committee - yet told everyone that eliminating the Department would actually make a minimal impact on our industry and could be beneficial ! Unbelievable ! But, I guess if Govt. said it - it has to be true. Can't wait for the next election.

[crazy2ski]

Was there at the rally and was never more proud of our industry. Congrats to the Farm Bureau for doing a great job organizing this !

Given the short history of this joke-of-an-administration, they are incapable of making the right decision. For a guy who was supposed to be born and raised on a farm, I don't understand what he has against us. I guess thats what happens when you become super-rich, you don't want to be associated with anything that reminds you of your humble beginings.

[steve89z]

goddam craziest thing i've ever heard! does crazy corzine want all the farms gone and build more houses? who the hell wants to live in nj? the most expensive place to live in the usa! let's eliminate the governor and all the ahole politicians and keep the dept of ag.f you corzine you idiot!

[steve89z]

who are these people that decide how other people live? f you politicians! you all suck! corzine is a billionaire! corzine is an ahole! f you! you are nuts! and your haircut sucks! what a dip!