The New York-New Jersey-Connecticut tristate area may not be an organic powerhouse, but there is a concentration of organic farms in the area, says Samantha Kemnah, communications manager for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York.
Farmers in the region primarily sell their fresh organic produce throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, Connecticut, New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, she says.
Organic growers had to deal with the same weather challenges as conventional growers this spring — unusually warm weather in April, followed by several nights with temperatures in the teens — Kemnah says. Nonetheless, some good-quality organic produce should be available this summer.
“Most commercial growers use high tunnels and similar means to help regulate climatic swings, protect their crops and lend more consistency to the products they can provide,” she says.
A freeze during blueberry bloom may have affected about 15% of the blueberry crop at Muzzarelli Farms in Vineland, N.J., says Charlie Muzzarelli, owner and manager. However, all the product that reaches the market is expected to be good quality.
Muzzarelli Farms plans to have organic blueberries, sweetpotatoes and broccoli available this season.
Proximity to the New York City market, a temperate climate, well-dispersed rainfall and fertile soil make limited organic production a worthwhile endeavor for Alstede Farms in Chester, N.J., says Kurt Alstede, an owner, founder and general manager.
The company’s organic product line includes raspberries, lettuces, greens, string beans and some cool crops.
Demand Persists
The market for organic produce remains strong, grower-shippers say. And many consumers are willing to pay a little more for it.
“Demand for organic has been steadily rising, not only in this region, but nationally,” Kemnah says.
With all food costs rising, the price difference between organic and conventional produce is not as substantial as it once was, she adds.
Muzzarelli says consumers’ perception of organic produce as being healthful and good for the environment continues to gain traction. But supermarkets in bigger cities are more likely to offer a larger organic selection than smaller markets.
Organic produce is a lifestyle choice, Alstede adds.
“We know there’s a lot of consumers who value and trust organic product,” he says. “It may not necessarily be defined as being better by science, but our job as a direct marketer is to provide consumers with what they want.”
