Local Farms In The Spotlight On National Agriculture Day

By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Today is National Agriculture Day. And, what better state to focus on than the Garden State?

New Jersey is notorious for beautiful tomatoes and blueberries, but those aren't the only farm products this state has to offer. Ryck Suydam, farmer and president of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, says thanks to the rising "locavore" movement, New Jersey farms are contributing billions of dollars each year to the state's economy.

"There's a number of reasons why farming is doing pretty well. Farm markets have helped out quite a bit, and we're close to people to sell them the food, whether it be eggs or tomatoes or anything else, so those things help keep farming in New Jersey healthy."

Livestock is also a factor. Suydam says farmers are raising pigs, lamb, cows for beef and horses for the race tracks and leisure activities. And specialty items are also drawing attention, like cheese and local wines.