Farm Jobs in New Jersey
Discover agricultural careers in New Jersey, the authentic "Garden State" producing over 100 different fruits and vegetables. With #5 national ranking in blueberries ($92.1 million), #3 in cranberries and potted flowering plants, and Top 10 rankings for 15+ specialty crops, New Jersey's $1.5 billion agriculture industry offers diverse opportunities across 9,998 farms serving 40+ million consumers within 150 miles.
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2 Farm Jobs in New Jersey
Farm Jobs in New Jersey
New Jersey agriculture generates nearly $1.5 billion in annual market value, ranking as the state's 3rd largest industry (after pharmaceuticals and tourism), with 9,998 farms across 711,500 acres—remarkably adding 115 farms from 2017-2022 while the nation lost 7% of farms. Despite being the most densely populated state, New Jersey lives up to its "Garden State" nickname by producing over 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables with Top 10 national rankings for 15+ specialty crops. The state leads nationally as #3 for potted flowering plants ($77.5 million) and cranberries, #5 for blueberries ($92.1 million, 50.2 million pounds), nursery stock ($296 million), and hard clam aquaculture, and #4 for peaches ($18.9 million). New Jersey's largest agricultural sector is greenhouse, nursery, floriculture, and sod production totaling $725 million (increase of $225 million from previous census, ranking #9 nationally overall). Additional Top 10 crops include tomatoes ($47.3 million), bell peppers ($36.05 million), sweet corn ($26.7 million), cucumbers ($12.4 million), and spinach ($4.9 million, #3-4 nationally). The state's strategic location provides access to 40+ million consumers within 150 miles (New York City and Philadelphia metro areas), enabling intensive specialty crop production on small farms (71-acre average) that generate higher returns per acre than traditional commodity crops. New Jersey agriculture employs 12,000-14,000 seasonal workers during peak growing season (dropping to 700-1,000 in winter), with 1,119 H-2A job orders approved in 2024. The industry is characterized by 78.5% family-owned farms, 5,570 new and beginning producers (up 39% from 2017), 81 certified organic operations, and growing agritourism/direct-to-consumer sales leveraging proximity to major urban markets.
Why Work on New Jersey Farms?
Working on New Jersey farms offers competitive wages and unique advantages stemming from the state's specialty crop focus and proximity to massive consumer markets. H-2A workers earn $17.00-$17.99/hour (2024, among 13 states in this tier), while New Jersey agricultural minimum wage is $12.81/hour (effective January 2024, increasing to $15/hour by January 2027). The state's specialty crop production creates diverse employment across multiple sectors: greenhouse and nursery operations ($725 million sector, year-round climate-controlled work), blueberry farms (June-August harvest, $92.1 million industry), cranberry operations (September-November harvest, $19.9 million with 580,000 barrels expected in 2024), vegetable farms growing 100+ varieties, peach orchards (July-September, $18.9 million), and aquaculture operations (30+ shellfish farms, $7.2+ million sales). Peak employment of 12,000-14,000 workers occurs during summer harvest season when blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, and cucumbers all require hand-harvesting and processing. New Jersey's small average farm size (71 acres) enables close-knit working environments on family farms (78.5% family-owned), while larger operations provide more structured employment with potential career advancement. The state added 115 farms from 2017-2022 (bucking national declining trend) and gained 5,570 new/beginning producers, demonstrating agricultural sector vitality and growth. Workers benefit from access to 40+ million consumers within 150 miles, creating robust direct-sales opportunities at farmers markets, farm stands, and agritourism operations that extend employment beyond harvest seasons. Housing is commonly provided by employers for seasonal workers, though facilities typically consist of basic dormitory-style accommodations. Spanish and Creole/French language support is available, with workers primarily from Mexico, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. The state's geographic diversity—from Pine Barrens cranberry bogs to North Jersey orchards to coastal aquaculture—offers varied agricultural experiences within a compact area.
Types of Farms in New Jersey
New Jersey agriculture offers exceptional diversity despite the state's small size. **Greenhouse and nursery operations** dominate as the largest sector ($725 million total) producing nursery stock ($296 million, #5 nationally), potted flowering plants ($77.5 million, #3 nationally), bedding plants, and landscaping materials across Cumberland County (#5 nationally for nursery stock acreage) and statewide, providing year-round climate-controlled employment. **Blueberry farms** concentrate in Atlantic County (sandy soils) producing 50.2 million pounds valued at $92.1 million (#5 nationally) on approximately 2,900 acres, with Hammonton recognized as the "Blueberry Capital" offering June-August harvest employment and processing work. **Cranberry operations** in the Pine Barrens region (Burlington, Atlantic, Ocean counties) produce 580,000 barrels annually ($19.9 million, #3 nationally) on 2,900 productive acres including 1,800-acre commercial farms, harvesting September-November using wet and dry methods. **Vegetable farms** grow diverse crops with national Top 10 rankings: tomatoes ($47.3 million), bell peppers ($36.05 million), sweet corn ($26.7 million), cucumbers ($12.4 million), spinach ($4.9 million, #3-4 nationally), plus eggplant, squash, asparagus, snap beans, and specialty items (bok choy, escarole, kale, romaine, fresh-cut herbs). **Peach orchards** rank #4 nationally in harvested acreage producing $18.9 million across July-September harvest, while apple orchards added 249 acres (2017-2022) producing 1+ million bushels annually with 40+ varieties at individual operations. **Aquaculture operations** include 30+ shellfish farms on 36,000+ acres of leases producing hard clams and oysters ($7.2+ million sales, #5 nationally for hard clams) along the Atlantic coastal bays and Delaware Bay. **Equine operations** in Monmouth County (#7 nationally for horse population) represent 1 in 5 agricultural acres with a $4 billion total industry value. **Wine grape vineyards** span 1,082 acres (up from 551 in 2002) supporting 75 operational wineries growing 40+ grape varieties, with Cape May sandy soils compared to Bordeaux region. **Dairy and poultry farms** contribute $134 million (livestock and products) with significant egg production operations. **Direct-market farms** leverage proximity to NYC/Philadelphia for U-pick operations, CSA programs, farm stands, and agritourism, especially in North Jersey (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex counties).
Getting Started with Farm Work in New Jersey
Entry-level farm positions in New Jersey offer year-round and seasonal opportunities across diverse agricultural sectors. Year-round employment exists in greenhouse and nursery operations ($725 million sector, climate-controlled environments), aquaculture farms (30+ shellfish operations), dairy operations, poultry facilities, and farm stands/agritourism businesses serving urban markets. Peak seasonal hiring occurs June-August during blueberry harvest (50.2 million pounds, primarily Atlantic County/Hammonton), peach harvest (July-September), and vegetable harvesting (tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers across South Jersey). Fall employment peaks September-November during cranberry harvest (580,000 barrels, Burlington/Atlantic/Ocean counties) and apple picking. Spring hiring begins March-May for greenhouse production, early vegetables (spinach, asparagus, greens), and farm preparation. Winter employment (700-1,000 workers) focuses on greenhouse operations, equipment maintenance, and Christmas tree sales (75+ tree farms). No previous farm experience is required for many positions—employers provide on-the-job training particularly for blueberry/cranberry harvesting, vegetable picking and packing, nursery plant handling, and aquaculture processing. H-2A positions (1,119 approved in 2024) guarantee $17.00-$17.99/hour with employer-provided housing, while general agricultural positions pay minimum $12.81/hour (2024). Top agricultural employment regions include Cumberland County (nursery production, #5 nationally in nursery stock acres), Atlantic County (blueberries, cranberries, #8 nationally in berry acres, #6 nationally for fresh-cut herbs), Burlington County (cranberries, most harvested acres in state), Gloucester and Salem counties (wheat, soybeans, dairy), and Monmouth County (mixed agriculture, equine, #7 nationally for horses). North Jersey counties (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex) offer smaller-scale direct-market operations, wineries, and agritourism focused on NYC metro consumers. Workers interested in specialty sectors can target the growing organic sector (81 certified farms), expanding aquaculture industry, or direct-market operations. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and farmworker advocacy organizations provide resources and job connections. Spanish and Creole/French language skills are valuable as workers primarily come from Mexico, Haiti, and Puerto Rico, though bilingual supervisors are common. Housing is typically provided for seasonal H-2A workers, though accommodations are basic dormitory-style facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in New Jersey?
New Jersey farm workers earn competitive wages with H-2A agricultural workers receiving $17.00-$17.99/hour as of 2024 (New Jersey is among 13 states in this wage tier). The state agricultural minimum wage is $12.81/hour effective January 1, 2024, gradually increasing to reach $15/hour by January 1, 2027 (currently three years behind the general minimum wage of $15.13/hour for most workers). H-2A positions (1,119 job orders approved in 2024) include employer-provided housing, transportation to/from home country, and must meet federal safety/health standards. Peak employment reaches 12,000-14,000 workers during summer growing season (June-August for blueberries, peaches, vegetables) dropping to 700-1,000 workers during winter months. The state's specialty crop focus creates diverse wage opportunities across sectors: year-round greenhouse/nursery operations ($725 million sector), seasonal fruit harvesting (blueberries $92.1 million, cranberries $19.9 million, peaches $18.9 million), vegetable production, and aquaculture processing.
Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?
New Jersey earned the "Garden State" nickname through legitimate agricultural prowess, producing over 100 different kinds of fruits and vegetables with Top 10 national rankings for 15+ specialty crops despite being the most densely populated state. The state generates nearly $1.5 billion in annual agricultural market value as the 3rd largest industry (after pharmaceuticals and tourism), operating 9,998 farms across 711,500 acres. New Jersey ranks #3 nationally for potted flowering plants ($77.5 million) and cranberries, #5 for blueberries ($92.1 million, 50.2 million pounds), nursery stock ($296 million), and hard clam aquaculture, #4 for peaches ($18.9 million), and Top 10 for tomatoes ($47.3 million), bell peppers ($36.05 million), sweet corn ($26.7 million), cucumbers, spinach (#3-4), and numerous specialty vegetables. The state's strategic location provides access to 40+ million consumers within 150 miles (NYC and Philadelphia markets), enabling intensive specialty crop production on small farms (71-acre average) that generate higher returns per acre than commodity crops. Remarkably, New Jersey added 115 farms from 2017-2022 while the nation lost 7% of farms, demonstrating continued agricultural vitality. The 78.5% family-owned farms, growing organic sector (81 certified farms), and 5,570 new/beginning producers (up 39% from 2017) prove the Garden State designation remains factually accurate.
What crops is New Jersey famous for?
New Jersey leads nationally in multiple specialty crops with impressive rankings and production values. The state ranks #5 nationally for blueberries producing 50.2 million pounds valued at $92.1 million (primarily Atlantic County/Hammonton "Blueberry Capital"), #3 for cranberries with 580,000 barrels expected in 2024 valued at $19.9 million (Pine Barrens bogs in Burlington/Atlantic/Ocean counties), #3 for potted flowering plants ($77.5 million), #5 for nursery stock ($296 million), and #4 for peaches ($18.9 million, July-September harvest). Additional Top 10 national crops include tomatoes ($47.3 million), bell peppers ($36.05 million), sweet corn ($26.7 million), cucumbers ($12.4 million), spinach ($4.9 million, #3-4 nationally), eggplant, squash, asparagus, and snap beans. The greenhouse/nursery/floriculture/sod sector dominates at $725 million total (largest agricultural sector, #9 nationally). Specialty items where NJ ranks Top 10 nationally include plums, bok choy, escarole, kale, romaine lettuce, and fresh-cut herbs (Atlantic County #6 nationally). The state produces 1+ million bushels of apples annually (40+ varieties), operates 30+ shellfish aquaculture farms (#5 nationally for hard clams, $7.2+ million sales), and supports 75 wineries across 1,082 vineyard acres with Cape May soils compared to Bordeaux, France.
Where are the main farming areas in New Jersey?
New Jersey agriculture centers in distinct geographic regions each specializing in different crops. **South Jersey** dominates production with Cumberland County ranking #5 nationally among 3,100+ counties for nursery stock production acres, plus significant wheat, soybeans, and dairy; Atlantic County ranking #8 nationally in berry production acres and #6 for fresh-cut herbs, home to Hammonton "Blueberry Capital" producing 50.2 million pounds annually; Burlington County with the most cranberry acres in the state including 1,800-acre commercial operations; Gloucester and Salem counties for wheat, soybeans, and dairy. The **Pine Barrens region** (Burlington, Atlantic, Ocean counties) features unique sandy, acidic soils ideal for cranberries (580,000 barrels, $19.9 million) and blueberries ($92.1 million). **North Jersey** (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex counties) focuses on direct-market operations, agritourism, wine grapes (75 wineries statewide), apple orchards (1+ million bushels), and specialty crops leveraging proximity to NYC metro (40+ million consumers within 150 miles). **Central Jersey** (Monmouth County) ranks #7 nationally for equine population with horses representing 1 in 5 agricultural acres, plus mixed farming. **Coastal regions** support 30+ shellfish aquaculture farms on 36,000+ acres of leases producing hard clams and oysters (#5 nationally). This geographic diversity creates year-round employment: summer berry/vegetable harvesting in South Jersey, fall cranberry harvest in Pine Barrens, year-round greenhouse/nursery work in Cumberland County, and direct-sales operations in North Jersey.
Is housing provided on New Jersey farms?
Many New Jersey farms provide housing for seasonal workers, particularly for H-2A workers who comprise 1,119 approved job orders in 2024. Employer-provided housing is required for H-2A positions and must meet federal safety and health standards, though facilities typically consist of basic cinder block structures with bunk beds or cots and shared bathrooms, rarely including air conditioning. Housing is common on larger blueberry operations in Atlantic County during June-August harvest (50.2 million pounds production), cranberry farms in Burlington/Atlantic/Ocean counties during September-November harvest (580,000 barrels), vegetable farms across South Jersey during peak summer season, and nursery operations providing year-round employment. Peak seasonal employment of 12,000-14,000 workers creates significant housing demand, while winter employment drops to 700-1,000 workers requiring less housing capacity. Housing quality and amenities vary by farm size and operation type, with larger commercial operations (such as 1,800-acre cranberry farms) typically offering more structured accommodations. Smaller direct-market operations in North Jersey may offer housing assistance or stipends rather than on-site facilities. Workers primarily from Mexico, Haiti, and Puerto Rico receive Spanish and Creole/French language support, with bilingual assistance accessing employment services increasingly available on larger operations.
What is the agricultural season in New Jersey?
New Jersey's agricultural seasons create year-round employment opportunities with dramatic peaks during summer and fall harvests. **Year-round operations** include greenhouse and nursery production ($725 million sector in climate-controlled facilities), aquaculture farms (30+ shellfish operations), dairy and poultry facilities, and farm markets serving urban consumers. **Spring** (March-May): greenhouse production peaks, early vegetables (spinach, asparagus, greens), planting season, H-2A worker arrivals begin. **Summer** (June-August): peak employment of 12,000-14,000 workers for blueberry harvest (50.2 million pounds, primarily Atlantic County), peach harvest (July-September, $18.9 million), tomatoes ($47.3 million), bell peppers ($36.05 million), sweet corn ($26.7 million), cucumbers ($12.4 million), and other vegetables across South Jersey. **Fall** (September-November): cranberry harvest (580,000 barrels, Pine Barrens bogs), apple picking (1+ million bushels, 40+ varieties), wine grape harvest (75 wineries), fall vegetables, pumpkins. **Winter** (December-February): employment drops to 700-1,000 workers in greenhouse operations, Christmas tree sales (75+ tree farms), equipment maintenance, and planning. The state's specialty crop diversity enables workers to establish extended employment by moving between crops: spring greens → summer blueberries/vegetables → fall cranberries/apples → winter greenhouse work, or by transitioning from seasonal field work to year-round nursery/aquaculture positions. Direct-market operations (farmers markets, U-pick, agritourism) extend beyond harvest through value-added products and year-round farm stands.