Congressman Kean Hosts Agriculture Roundtable Discussion with New Jersey Farmers
(August 22, 2025) CHESTER, NJ — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) convened a roundtable discussion today with New Jersey farmers, state agricultural leaders, and local officials at Alstede Farms. The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from local producers about the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s agricultural industry.
Participants discussed a range of topics, including securing key Farm Bill provisions in the recent reconciliation package, strengthening the farm safety net, reducing burdensome federal regulations, and advancing in agricultural innovation and sustainability across 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."
"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,” said Kurt Alstede of Alstede Farms. “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."
“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,” said Rick Gardner of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. “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.”
"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," said Nicole Kavanaugh, Field Representative for the New Jersey Farm Bureau.
BACKGROUND:
Agriculture is one of New Jersey’s largest industries. The Garden State has nearly 10,000 farms with over 700,000 acres of farmland. New Jersey farmers produce a diverse array of commodities, including dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, equines, specialty crops, and much more.
The recently passed reconciliation package (H.R.1) delivers major wins for American agriculture, including:
- Strengthened farm safety net enhancements through updates to Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, and crop insurance.
- Expanded eligibility for beginning farmers and ranchers by updating USDA’s definition from five to ten years.
- Increased federal support for crop insurance premiums to improve affordability and coverage.
- Long-term funding for USDA conservation programs (EQIP, CSP, ACEP, RCPP) through FY2031.
- Long-term funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program to assist producers who are obtaining or renewing their organic certification.
- Targeted support for agricultural research and innovation, including a more than twofold increase for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.
- Extended funding for USDA’s Urban, Indoor, and Emerging Agriculture Initiative through FY2031.
- Tailored support for specialty crop producers through increased funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and Plant Pest and Disease Management Disaster Prevention Program.
- Raised the death tax exemption, making it easier to pass farms to the next-generation tax free.
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