MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Morris County is launching a new Farm Trail Passport program aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore local farms, markets, orchards and other agricultural attractions throughout the year.
The Morris County Tourism Bureau’s Farm Trail Passport officially launches Tuesday at Riamede Farm in Chester Borough, where participating farmers and local officials are expected to gather to mark the start of the program.
Developed with members of the county’s farming community, the program connects 13 participating farms and encourages visitors to collect stamps as they visit destinations throughout Morris County. Experiences include farm markets, seasonal festivals, pick-your-own crops and other activities.
“Our farms each have their own unique story, but together we create an experience that truly showcases the diversity of agriculture in Morris County,” said Ashley Asdal, owner of Riamede Farm and member of the Morris County Tourism Bureau Board of Directors. “It has been exciting to work alongside fellow farmers to create a trail that makes it easier for people to discover everything our local farms have to offer. We hope the Farm Trail Passport encourages people to visit new farms, support local agriculture, and return throughout the seasons to experience everything Morris County has to offer.”
Passports are available at participating farms and the Morris County Tourism Bureau at 6 Court St. in Morristown. A printable version is also available through the tourism bureau’s website.
Visitors who collect stamps from at least five participating farms will receive a Morris County Farm Trail gift. Those who complete the entire passport will be entered into an annual grand prize drawing for a basket valued at about $1,200, containing products, gift certificates, merchandise and experiences donated by participating farms and other partners.
Completed passports submitted by Sept. 15 will receive an additional entry into the grand prize drawing.
“Agriculture has long been part of Morris County’s identity, and the Farm Trail Passport encourages residents and visitors to experience our local farms and support the families behind them,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “Through Morris County’s nationally recognized Farmland Preservation Program, we have helped to preserve 143 farms — and counting — ensuring that many of these working farms remain a permanent part of our communities and local economy. Beyond the farms participating in the Farm Trail Passport, we also encourage everyone to explore the Morris County Farmland Preservation StoryMap developed by our Office of Planning and Preservation to learn about all the farms preserved throughout the county.”
The 13 participating locations are Alstede Farms, Ashley Farms, Bader Farm, Hawk Ridge Farm, High View Farms, Hoppy Valley Farm, Miller’s Hill Farm, Ort Farms, Riamede Farm, Stony Hill Farms, The Feisty Pepper Garden Market, Union Hill Farms and Wightman Farms.
The program is designed to encourage repeat visits as agricultural offerings change throughout the year, from berries and other produce during the warmer months to apple picking in the fall and holiday products in the winter.
“Visitors today are looking for authentic experiences that connect them with the places they visit, and the Morris County Farm Trail does exactly that,” said Samantha Rutledge, director of Tourism & Strategic Partnerships for the Morris County Tourism Bureau. “Whether you’re picking apples in the fall, enjoying fresh berries in the summer, visiting a farm market in the spring or shopping for holiday greens in the winter, there is always something new to discover. We hope the passport inspires families to visit places they’ve never been before while supporting our local agricultural community.”
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners provided financial support for the initiative, according to the tourism bureau. Brand Enchanting Media developed the Farm Trail brand, passport, visitor experience and marketing strategy.
