Joint forum to spotlight northwest New Jersey agriculture at Sussex County Community College on Oct. 17
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Northwest New Jersey’s agricultural future will take center stage at the Joint Forum on Agricultural Development, a one-day event presented by Sussex County Community College and Warren County Community College on Friday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the SCCC Performing Arts Center.
Organizers say the forum will bring together leaders in agriculture, economics, technology and education to highlight the region’s growing role in advancing sustainable agriculture locally and globally. Discussions will focus on farmland investment and preservation, drone technology, international export opportunities, and the economic significance of the equestrian industry.
“We believe that there is untapped potential in New Jersey’s Agriculture Industry, and that greater regional and global market access and incentivizing a streamlined supply chain may be able to grow our Agricultural GDP significantly,” said Joseph Labarbera, dean of accountability at Warren County Community College.
Featured panels and special sessions include:
- Farmland as an Equity Hedge, presented by Joe Labarbera, WCCC
- Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture, Dr. Will Austin, president, WCCC
- Exporting Agriculture to Local and Global Markets, Frank Minch, director of Agriculture & Natural Resources Division
- The Equestrian Economy, Michael Campbell, Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey
- Vision 2035 Roundtable, led by Dr. Cory Homer, president, SCCC
- Networking lunch featuring New Jersey–grown products
Expected guests include former state Sen. Steve Oroho; Sussex County Commissioner Jack DeGroot; and Kathryn Giovanelli, FFA state president. The day’s program also features a student drone demonstration and opportunities to meet with stakeholders across education, business and agriculture.
The event is free and open to the public at Sussex County Community College’s Performing Arts Center, One College Hill Road, Newton, NJ 07860.
Sponsorships supporting student scholarships at both community colleges range from $500 to $5,000. General donations can be made via PayPal.
For information, contact Joseph Labarbera, dean of accountability at WCCC, at 908-835-2323 or jlabarbera@warren.edu.
