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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bergen County
Bergen County sits within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) region. Elevation averages about 53 feet.
Temperatures in Bergen County range from a January mean low of 23°F to a July mean high near 86°F. Annual precipitation averages 48.1 inches. Expect about 306 frost-free days.
Bergen County ran 73 farms, 771 acres of farmland, and 14 head of cattle in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Top commodities: equine, flowering plants, potted, and honey.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northeast New Jersey |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Fruit & tree nuts, Horses, Poultry, Honey, Maple syrup |
Current Conditions
Drought status: Abnormally Dry (D0) — monitor conditions.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-04-14
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Bergen County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
101 Bilby Rd Ste 1h, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Programs for Bergen County Operations
Based on Bergen County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs focus on preserving remaining agricultural land through farmland preservation initiatives and supporting small-scale operations. Urban agriculture and community garden projects receive emphasis given the county's dense population.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Bordering Counties
If your operation extends into or you compare conditions against adjacent counties, see Essex County, New Jersey, Hudson County, New Jersey, Passaic County, New Jersey, Bronx County, New York, New York County, New York, and Rockland County, New York. Ranking criteria and cost-share rates can vary county by county even within the same state.
Your Next Steps in Bergen County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the New Jersey guide: New Jersey Farm Programs Guide
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