FARMER'S MARKET IN HOPEWELL

For the past several weeks, Howell Farm has been peddling goods at the Farmer's Market in Hopewell on Wednesday afternoons.

Didn't know there was a Farmer's Market in Hopewell? Neither did I, even when I got there. Until the weather warms up, the market has been conducted inside a nondescript shed next to the old train station, alongside the tracks. Once it gets nice, we'll move to a much more visible spot out on the lawn.

If you want to go, use Google Maps to locate "Railroad Place, Hopewell, New Jersey." Then when you get there, look for our big roadside sign. The market is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

We Howellers have been selling honey, maple syrup, bags of whole wheat, and bags of black beans, all produced on the farm.

Joining us most afternoons is a local baker (who sells a fine loaf made from Howell's wheat) and also a trafficker of specialty foods – delicious cheeses, olives, and spreads, as well as a variety of meats.

Hope to see local Farmbedded readers out in Hopewell one afternoon. (Produce will also be sold at the market as it becomes available in weeks to come.)

THE FATE OF THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

New Jersey farmers gathered in Trenton by the hundreds today to protest Governor Corzine's plan to eliminate the state's Department of Agriculture.

Corzine says eliminating the department and delegating its duties to the state EPA and health departments will save taxpayers $4 million a year.

Many farmers view the move as a slap in the face. They value the ag department as a support system and as their advocate in government:

http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/1318172/seeds_of_destruction_killing_agriculture_department_will_hurt_all_new/

(Although I did overhear one person muse today, "But don't farmers hate the Department of Agriculture?" Another person replied, "Yes, but less than the EPA.")

According to the Associated Press, New Jersey would be only the third state to eliminate its agriculture department, joining Alaska and Rhode Island.

I snapped some photos at the rally, held on West State Street in front of the Capitol. I counted 113 tractors.