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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Passaic County
Elevation across Passaic County averages about 238 feet. The county falls within the New England and Eastern New York Upland, Southern Part (MLRA 144A) land resource region.
The growing season in Passaic County spans roughly 275 frost-free days. Rainfall averages 48.6 inches per year. January lows average around 20°F while July highs reach about 84°F.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture counted 99 farms in Passaic County, operating across 1,830 acres of farmland. The average farm spans 18 acres. Top commodities include mushrooms, equine, and equine.
Quick Facts
| Region | Northern New Jersey |
| Top Commodities | Floriculture, Vegetables, Poultry, Horses, Goats, Honey |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
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 Passaic 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.
Forage and Grazing in Passaic County
The forage year in Passaic County runs from green-up in May to peak growth in June (2021–2025 satellite average). The county runs 16 head of cattle. Confirm your official normal grazing period with FSA — it governs which drought weeks can count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Passaic County
About 24% of Passaic County producers are 65 or older. Roughly 85% of farms here are small operations. The average farm runs 18 acres.
What Tends to Fit in Passaic County
Given the operation mix in Passaic County, the practices that most often come up are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing for grazing operations, and brush management for rangeland. Whether any of them scores well depends on your county's Local Working Group priorities, which NRCS can walk you through before you apply.
Programs for Passaic County Operations
Based on Passaic County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Programs support small farming operations and emphasize steep slope management and erosion control in the mountainous terrain. Urban agriculture initiatives serve the county's densely populated communities in the eastern valleys.
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
Adjacent Counties
Counties bordering Passaic County: Bergen County, New Jersey, Essex County, New Jersey, Morris County, New Jersey, Sussex County, New Jersey, Orange County, New York, and Rockland County, New York. Each runs its own Local Working Group and may prioritize different conservation practices.
Your Next Steps in Passaic 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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