The Arnone Report: Freeholder Director promotes Grown in Monmouth businesses

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

Hello! I hope everyone is continuing to enjoy the summertime sunshine and warm weather!

I would like to take the time to provide an update on the County’s Grown in Monmouth program. As liaison to the County’s division of economic development, I could not be more proud of the success of this program.

For those who have not heard about this initiative, Grown in Monmouth focuses on the retention and expansion of our County’s agricultural industry through the promotion of Monmouth-grown agricultural products and services. We know how important this industry is in Monmouth County and this program helps business owners showcase their products.

Most notably, residents and visitors may notice Grown in Monmouth banners or signs while traveling throughout Monmouth County. Businesses and establishments that display these signs have entered into a partnership, at no cost, with the County that states they either grow or make products with ingredients grown in Monmouth County. Our partnerships include farms, wineries and restaurants, among other establishments.

To promote this initiative, the County developed a website where farmers can register their farm and list the inventory of products they offer for sale. The website also allows consumers to use a searchable online directory to locate agricultural products, services and activities in Monmouth County. Consumers can also use the website directory to find pick-your-own farms, wineries and breweries, restaurants and farmers markets, among many other options. The website can be viewed by visiting www.GrownInMonmouth.com.

Farmers are not the only ones who are benefiting from this program. Currently, we have 20 restaurants registered that use ingredients grown in Monmouth County. These restaurants can be viewed on the website. So next time you go to a restaurant, look out for a Grown in Monmouth sign or ask them if they participate in this free program.

If you are a grower or restaurant and want to participate in the Grown in Monmouth program, please contact our division of economic development by calling 732-431-7470 or emailing econdev@co.monmouth.nj.us.

Grown in Monmouth will have a booth at this year’s County Fair, which runs from July 25^th to July 29^th at the East Freehold Showgrounds. Be sure to check out this annual event that is always a fun time for the family!

Lastly, I would like to thank the County’s Master Gardeners for recently hosting their Community Garden Tour. I attended the kickoff alongside Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian Burry and was quite impressed.

As always, it’s a privilege to serve as Freeholder Director. I look forward to continuing to serve.