Hunterdon County’s ‘Explore Hunterdon’ tourism campaign is working

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s ‘Explore Hunterdon’ campaign is making a positive difference for local small businesses especially for small family farms in the agritourism area.

Deputy Director Susan Soloway and co-liaison to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism shared an update at the recent Board meeting, “Our efforts at helping to promote agritourism in Hunterdon County are working. I was recently advised by our Planning Department that the 2022 census of agriculture, shows Hunterdon agriculture with $115 million in annual sales, up 25% from 2017.

Farm-related income is also up 23% according to that same census data with nursery and greenhouse leading the sales. Hunterdon also leads New Jersey in Christmas tree production and the sheep/goats/wool sales category.”

Agritourism has been identified as a strategic economic driver in Hunterdon County thanks in large part to its abundance of well-established farms with many being run by multigenerational families.

The recent economic findings coincide in part with the launch of the County’s ‘579 Trail’ and ‘Explore Hunterdon’ initiatives, which were directly targeted at promoting the county’s bounty of fresh produce, farm to table dining options, wineries, and on-farm entertainment for the whole family.

Additionally, the County’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism has strategically utilized various marketing and promotional outlets, including cross county collaborations, newsletters, extensive press coverage, special campaigns, and use of social media influencers, to boost visibility and attract visitors. As a result, 60+ farms and farm-to-table restaurants have been consistently featured and widely promoted, along with the towns and attractions that surround them.

“Hunterdon County is fortunate to be home to many great multi-generational farmers, and as residents, we appreciate their continued expertise and dedication to farming which contributes to the high quality of life that we all enjoy. As a Board, we have and will continue to remain dedicated to helping promote Hunterdon County agriculture. Marketing efforts like ‘Explore Hunterdon’ and the ‘579 Trail’ are aimed at ensuring that residents and visitors alike know about the many opportunities to shop locally for things like fruits, vegetables, beef, poultry, eggs, cheese, and milk,” Soloway said.