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Ocean County, New Jersey

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Ocean County encompasses a large area of the New Jersey Pine Barrens with sandy soils, extensive forests, and barrier islands along the Atlantic coast. The county includes portions of the Toms River watershed and numerous coastal bays and wetlands.

Agricultural production focuses on crops adapted to sandy soils including blueberries, cranberries, and vegetable production, with many farms serving the substantial seasonal tourism market. Nursery operations and Christmas tree farms utilize the county's forested areas.

Quick Facts
RegionCentral New Jersey Coastal
Top CommoditiesHorses, Vegetables, Fruit & tree nuts, Berries, Cattle & calves, Poultry
Farms & Ranches~220 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~7,000 acres
Average Farm Size~31 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Ocean County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Ocean County Operations

Based on Ocean County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Conservation programs emphasize sustainable berry production practices and water resource protection within the sensitive Pinelands ecosystem. Support for agritourism helps farms capitalize on the county's significant seasonal visitor population.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Ocean County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Ocean County?"

Your Next Steps in Ocean County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the New Jersey guide: New Jersey Farm Programs Guide

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