Story Time March 27 at Bound Brook Library

Somerset County Freeholder Deputy Director Mark Caliguire invites adults and children to join the celebration of National Agriculture Day later this month.

Freeholder Caliguire, liaison to the Somerset County Agriculture Development Board (SCADB), will read to youngsters at the Bound Brook Memorial Library on Thursday, March 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. “The children will learn about farming, agricultural activities and events and why agriculture is important in Somerset County ,” he said.

Story time will be followed by a hands-on gardening activity and arts and crafts.  Participation is free but registration is encouraged, as seating is limited; email SCADB@co.somerset.nj.us with the number of children attending and their town of residence. The library is located at 402 E. High St. , Bound Brook , NJ 08805 .

During the month of March, the SCADB also will host displays of historical facts, common farming implements, maps and more at the Bound Brook, Bridgewater and Manville libraries.

On Tuesday, March 25, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., the SCADB will hold a special event at the Agricultural Sciences Building at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical Schools , 14 Vogt Drive , Bridgewater , NJ 08807 .  The public is welcome; if you plan to attend, please register by emailing SCADB@co.somerset.nj.us

This event will feature speakers from the State Agriculture Development Committee, the Agriculture Sciences School at Vo-Tech and participants in the Somerset County Farmland Preservation Program. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with other farmers, state representatives and staff from local agencies who can provide technical assistance and expertise on a variety of topics related to agriculture.

The Board of Freeholders has proclaimed March 25 as National Agriculture Day, noting that the Freeholders established the SCADB in 1983 to preserve farmland, mediate right-to-farm matters and retain, sustain and advance the industry of agriculture in Somerset County .  To date 8,116 acres of farmland have been preserved under the county program.

“The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the SCADB recognize the importance of agriculture in Somerset County, and feel strongly that this business contributes substantially to the County’s economy, promotes healthier lifestyles through locally-grown foods, and provides society benefits through agritourism and land preservation,” the proclamation states.

For more information about the various National Agriculture Day activities, visit http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/scadb/events.htm