Theresa Viggiano and Patrick Leger of First Field |
Despite this hurdle, entrepreneurs still choose to give Jersey farming a shot. Advising them is what makes extension work rewarding. For example, Theresa Viggiano and Patrick Leger, owners of First Field, are beginning farmers who have turned their sweat equity into an enterprise to be proud of - their Jersey Ketchup and Jersey Relish products are sold in NJ, NY, and Connecticut.
Recently, I was contacted by a father whose son is returning to New Jersey to farm with his fiance. They have experience working for the past 4 years on a large organic farm CSA in the West that grew from a 35 customer base to over 300. It's encouraging to see family willingness to help with a grubstake; invest in the young couples' venture. The father is a professional and "has some capital and can't think of a more rewarding investment" than his son's dream.
Their questions revolve around how a beginning farmer gets started in New Jersey.