Blueberry bush in Hammonton. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com
New Jersey Agricultural Society Jerry Verrico President Founded 1781, oldest agricultural organization in US. Primarily an umbrella organization with 400 members, mostly agricultural groups and suppliers. Quasi-official status recognized under State statute as representing agricultural interests, advises Secretary of Agriculture. Promotes support of agriculture through advertising and public relations, educational programs, sponsors NJ Farmers against Hunger program for donation of farm products for hunger relief to disadvantaged.Learning through Gardening program provides materials to preschools and elementary schools to build vegetable gardens, gives teachers workshops and curriculum to help including garden in lessons in all subjects.
New Jersey Farm Bureau Ryck Suydam Executive Director Largest farm lobbying organization, represents 12,000 farm families, agribusinesses and other suppliers in all types of agriculture: equine, nursery, fruit and vegetable, field crops, apiary, wine grower, Christmas tree, forestry,and livestock. Affiliated of American Farm Bureau Federation. Issues include land-use restrictions; taxation and assessment; wildlife damage, particularly from deer; farm labor; environmental regulations; soil conservation.
New Jersey Food Council Linda Doherty President & Chief Executive Officer Founded 1969 to establish unified position among large supermarkets and smaller retailers on issues affecting industry. Members now comprise food retailers food stores, including major supermarket and convenience store chains. Lobbies onlegislative and regulatory issues, including opposition to paid sick leave; bottle bills; shoplifting prevention and enforcement; security; litter control; solid waste disposal and costs; minimum wage and labor issues. Sponsors Leadership Development Program to introduce new food industry leaders to state and federal legislators, regulators and other important contacts. Coordinates food industry community relations, philanthropic programs, active supporter of NJ food banks.
Label from Joseph Campbell Preserve Co. co-founded in 1869 by Joseph A. Campbell, a fruit merchant from Bridgeton, and Abraham Anderson, an icebox manufacturer. They produced canned tomatoes, vegetables, jellies, soups, condiments, and minced meats. In 1921, after Campbell's death, the company was re-named the Campbell Soup Co. Image: Camden County
New Jersey Food Processors Association Frank Catalana President & Chairman Established 1934, manufacturers and suppliers of food and agricultural products formed to promote best practices, share information and expand food industry, which currently includes 1,600 food and beverage manufacturers throughout NJ. Members represent all facets of NJ food processing industry, including meat and poultry, seafood, dairy products, cereals and grain products, fruits and vegetables, value-added agricultural products, specialty foods, and prepared foods and beverages. Associate Member companies include food packaging and ingredient suppliers, food industry equipment providers, service providers, consultants, quality assurance laboratories, chemical and sanitation companies, distribution and shipping firms, and other suppliers.
New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association Dana Lancellotti President Represents NJ restaurants, eating and drinking establishments, food service vendors, non-profit organizations, schools and related interests. Restaurant and hospitality industry employs some 300,000, largest NJ private employment sector. Founded as NJ Restaurant Association, affiliate of National Restaurant Association. Provides seminars, information on market trends, management, technology. Issues include labor regulations; minimum wage; payroll taxes; labor standards; and immigration. Dana Lancellotti named March 2021 as new president and CEO, formerly director of business development and tourism for Ocean County.
The Food Institute Doug Fritsch President Non-profit information and reporting association tracking world, national food industry news and developments. Founded 1928 in Seattle, moved to NJ 1968 and to current office 2010 in Upper Saddle River. Membership comprises growers, food processors, importers, exporters, brokers, wholesalers, supermarket chains, independent retailers, food industry suppliers, food service distributors, advertising and banking executives, government officials, and others. Publishes newsletter, economic reports, reference guides, industry profiles.
New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association Diane Weiss Executive Director Members include bars, taverns, restaurants, hotels, bowling alleys holding on-premises liquor consumption licenses. Issues include taxes on alcoholic beverages; liquor law enforcement; liability standards and insurance; minimum wage and labor regulation. Advocates on member interests before state legislature, NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and other governmental agencies, wholesalers, distillers, brewers, also promotes industry to news media and general public
New Jersey Liquor Stores Alliance Juan Negria President NJ affiliate of American Beverage Licensees. Represents retail liquor and wine stores. Issues include opposition to expanding licenses to supermarlets and chain stores; labor regulation; minimum wage; paid family leave; waste recycling; liability standards and insurance.
Beer Wholesalers Association of New Jersey Michael I. Halfacre, Esq. Executive Director Founded 1933, represents independently-owned beer wholesaling companies which import and distribute to licensed retailers. Monitors legislation, regulations affecting industry, alcoholic beverage laws, enforcement. Michael Halfacre appointed executive director 2016, previously served as Director of NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control appointed by Governor Christie.
Garden State Wine Growers Association Thomas Sharko President Established 1984 by owners of NJ vineyards to promote wines. Coalition of over 50 member wineries, vineyards, grape growers and industry-related companies. Sponsors wine education initiatives, cooperative marketing campaigns, and promotion of visits to wineries, serves as educational and informational resource for current and prospective grape growers, works closely with Rutgers Agricultural Experimentation Station network throughout state and Rutgers Wine Grape Resource Center. Advocates on state and local levels for wine grape industry interests, assists with governmental compliance issues during winery licensing and permitting process. Publishes online directory of wineries and sponsors Wine Trail Weekends of special day trips to 45 participating wineries.
Garden State Seafood Association Greg DiDomenico Executive Director Represents interests of commercial fishermen and fishing companies, related businesses and individuals working in commercial fishing industry and seafood consumption in NJ. Issues include legislation restricting fish catches, mandating seafood consumption health warnings in fish markets, restaurants and supermarkets. Promotes commercial industry economic importance to NJ and fish consumption.
American Culinary Federation-Professional Chef Association of South Jersey David Goldstein President Membership includes executive chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, managers , culinary educators, sous chefs and cooks from Atlantic City restaurants, casino and non-casino hotels, country clubs, culinary schools, and restaurants. Founded by twelve chefs, now over 140 active, junior, student and associate members. "Adopt a School" program Eating Healthy chefs volunteer to work with Community Food Bank of NJ, Southern Branch. Atlantic County; also supports Sister Jean’s soup kitchens; Certification Program assists chefs to attain professional certification.
American Culinary Federation Jersey Shore Chefs Association Nicholas Mercogliano, CEC President Chapter founded 1991 of American Culinary Federation. Members include chefs and other culinary professionals from Monmouth and Ocean counties. Sponsors networking, events to exchange ideas and information. New Jersey Food Truck Association Joe Hepner President Group of over 60 food truck owners and operators. Promotes industry through festivals, other special events. Issues include state and local regulation, licensing and taxes.
East Coast Shellfish Growers Association Daniel J. Grosse President Based in Toms River, represents over 1,000 shellfish farmers harvesting oysters, clams, and mussels from Maine to Florida. Issues include federal and state regulation of shellfish beds and harvests; pollution; research on shellfish disease; labor standards.
