Continuing her annual agribusiness tour, New Jersey Acting Governor Kim Guadagno today visited Barlow’s Flower Farm in Sea Girt to highlight the role of agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth in the Garden State.
“From New Jersey’s infancy, agriculture has been at the heart of our state, and the Garden State’s farmers continue to work hard and make significant contributions to our economy,” said Acting Governor Guadagno. “As one of New Jersey’s largest annual retail growers, Barlow’s is leading the way as a prime example of how family farms are thriving and finding innovative ways to expand and grow their businesses. We wish them continued success for many years to come.”
Stephen and Leslie Barlow purchased the historic family homestead and horticulture business in 1983 and have since been joined in the business by two of their children, Stephen Barlow, III and Stephanie Barlow Peduto. The original Barlow Flower Farm has expanded over the years to include a fully renovated retail facility, 60,000 square feet of nursery greenhouses and a 1.5-acre outdoor growing area. The Farm also offers an interactive Children’s Garden.
Barlow’s specializes in propagating seeds and cuttings and produces up to 70% of the flowers and plants sold and used by the company in landscape designs throughout the year. The company’s talented team has been recognized for beautifying gardens throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties and is the recipient of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Perennial Plant Association’s Landscape Design Award. Every year since 2007, the Farm has been voted “Best of Monmouth County” by the Asbury Park Press.
“Our family is honored to have Acting Governor Guadagno take the time out of her schedule to visit our farm. This Administration’s support of New Jersey Agriculture is shown in their commitment to our farm and all the hard working farmers throughout the Great Garden State,” said Stephen Barlow, President and Owner of Barlow’s Flower Farm. “As with many young farmers in the state, I have grown up on the farm and learned all the ins and outs of what makes our operation grow. It takes strong leadership, a great team and hard work to maintain and expand a successful company. Our family is excited to see the future of agriculture in New Jersey and how our farm can contribute.”
Through its garden center, landscape design and growing facility, Barlow’s is committed to providing customers with high quality products and superior customer service. To learn more about the farm, visit its Sea Girt location or its website athttp://www.barlowflowerfarm.com/shop/.
Agriculture is New Jersey’s third largest industry. In 2012, the state’s 9,071 farms generated sales totaling $1.14 billion. With 715,057 acres of farmland, the Garden State produces more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables that are enjoyed throughout the Northeast, in Canada and globally.
The horticulture industry is one of New Jersey’s top agriculture commodities. The industry includes nursery, greenhouse, sod and Christmas trees and generated $444.8 million in sales in 2012.
Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.
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