Middlesex County Welcomes Fall with Local Farms, Fresh Produce, and Seasonal Activities

*For photos, click here*

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - Fall has arrived in Middlesex County, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and a new season of opportunities to explore the County's farms and agricultural destinations. From corn mazes to farmers' markets with fresh, locally grown products, farms throughout the County invite residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors, experience the harvest season, and support local agriculture.

With more than 100 full- and part-time farmers cultivating more than 19,000 acres, agriculture remains an integral part of Middlesex County's economy and landscape. Local farms contribute to a $35 million agricultural industry and a $45 million landscape industry, while providing fresh products to communities throughout the region and beyond.

"Fall is a wonderful time to get outside, enjoy the changing season and discover all that Middlesex County's farms have to offer," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "From picking pumpkins and visiting farm stands to enjoying seasonal events, there are plenty of ways for residents and visitors to experience the season while exploring the people and places that make our agricultural community a crucial component of Middlesex County."

"Middlesex County's farms are an important part of our landscape, economy and heritage, and preserving them ensures that agriculture remains part of our communities for generations to come," said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the Infrastructure Management Committee. "Through the County's Farmland Preservation Program and our ongoing work with the agricultural community, we are helping protect farmland while creating opportunities for local farms to remain viable and continue contributing to the region. To date, Middlesex County has preserved 5,526 acres of farmland, including approximately 3,781 acres through the County's Farmland Preservation Program and Farmland Historic Preservation Trust Fund."

"Fall brings a special energy to our farms, with harvests underway and families coming out to experience the season firsthand," said Middlesex County Board of Agriculture President Dave Chagnon. "When people visit a farm, purchase locally grown products or attend a seasonal event, they are doing more than enjoying the harvest - they are helping support the families, businesses and agricultural traditions that keep our farming community strong."

EXPERIENCE FALL AT LOCAL FARMS

Middlesex County farms and markets offer a variety of fresh products and seasonal experiences for residents and visitors. Offerings and activities vary by farm and season.

• CROPS AND OFFERINGS: Farms throughout the County produce and sell a wide range of fresh products, including fruits and vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, honey, jams and jellies, baked goods, artisanal foods, flowers, and plants. Common crops grown in Middlesex County include corn, soybeans, and wheat, as well as shrubs, container plants, and Christmas trees.
• FALL ACTIVITIES: Many local farms offer seasonal experiences for all ages, including pumpkin picking, pick-your-own produce, farm tours, hayrides and wagon rides, corn mazes, festivals, and other family-friendly activities.
• FARMERS MARKETS: Community farmers' markets provide another way to support local agriculture while connecting with farmers and discovering fresh, locally grown products close to home. Markets throughout the County offer seasonal produce and a variety of locally made and grown products.

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES AROUND THE COUNTY

October 2-31 l 7-10:30 pm

4-H Haunted House and Hayride - Held every Friday and Saturday throughout October, celebrate the spooky season with the Middlesex County 4-H Youth Development Program at the Middlesex County 4-H Youth Center for a family-friendly evening. Click here for ticket information.

October 10 l 10 am

Introduction to Backyard Composting - Join the Rutgers Cooperative Extension to learn how to transform kitchen and yard scraps into garden gold. Click here for more information.

October 14 l 10 am

Putting Your Garden to Bed - Join Rutgers Cooperative Extension to learn how practices such as seed saving, garden sanitation, composting, cover crop selection, and fall planting can help prepare your garden for a healthier year ahead. Click here for more information.

October 16-18 and October 23-25 l 10 am-5 pm

Fall Harvest Festival - This annual tradition invites residents and visitors to explore East Jersey Old Town Village and enjoy seasonal fall treats, pumpkin picking, living history interpreters, live music, and more. Click here for more information.

October 25 l 10 am

Growing Garlic - Join the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardeners to learn how to grow garlic in a home garden. Click here for more information.

November 14 l 9 am-noon

Fall Trails Day - Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Middlesex County Conservation Corps by helping with trail maintenance and various habitat improvement projects at the John A. Phillip's Preserve in Old Bridge. To register and for more information, click here.

November 26 l 8:30-10:30 am

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot - Held at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy, join REPLENISH and Feeding Middlesex County in giving back to the community while participating in a family-friendly 5K. To register and for more information, click here.

DISCOVER GROWN IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Middlesex County invites residents and visitors to explore the Grown in Middlesex County Interactive Map to discover local agricultural destinations throughout the County. The map features farmers' markets, U-Pick farms, and Christmas tree farms, along with each location's address, phone number, and website.

To discover more fall events, activities, and destinations, visit

discovermiddlesex.com/outdoorguide and middlesexcountyculture.com. And to learn more about the County's Farmland Preservation Program, visit middlesexcountynj.gov.

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