COVID forced NJ farmers to change how they cultivate customers
"Wholesalers became retailers and retailers turned to home delivery," state Agriculture Secretary Doug Fisher said.
So farmers pivoted. They decided they were going to have their farm markets open earlier than usual. They turned to online ordering and curbside pickup. They found a number of ways to expand their distribution channels.
For 2021, farmers are optimistic, said Fisher. The economy is starting to revive and places are opening up. Because people visited their local farms last year, Fisher thinks that will continue this season. He said people learned to appreciate what it's like to pick fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers grown locally.