Sep 6, 2017

Ultra-niche crop series: farming basil

Rutgers Cooperative Extension will continue its ultra-niche crop series with a workshop on farming basil 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Ultra-niche crops are high-value crops that can provide a significant source of income to the farmer while using a minimal amount of land, said county agent Jenny Carleo. In the workshop, farmers will learn how to grow, market and sell basil, as well as how to make practical decisions on marketing and crop production, she said.

“Basil is an excellent fresh market herb to grow on small acreages for direct sales to restaurants, farmer’s markets, and specialty grocery stores,” Carleo said. “This tender annual is appealing to growers because of the constant demand from consumers.”

The workshop will feature a 20-minute video and a speaker panel featuring basil farmer Taylor James of Flipside Farms, a community-supported agriculture operation in Somerset County, and Mikey Azzara, Founder of Zone 7, a New Jersey-based farm fresh distribution service that connects farmers with restaurants, grocers, schools and other buyers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The cost is $20 and includes dinner at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6 p.m. For information call Jenny Carleo at 609-465-5115 or email Jennifer Matthews. Register here by Sept. 22.