Thanks to an historic partnership, a direct farm-to-market link has been established that offers locally grown birdseed through New Jersey Audubon Society nature centers. With support from a Conservation Innovation Grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the USDA, New Jersey farmers are working with NJAS to grow a “greener”, more environmentally friendly black-oil sunflower seed. This “bird-friendly” seed is the first birdseed certified as “Jersey Grown” by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. What product could be better suited to kick-off the S.A.V.E. brand?

What makes this any different from other birdseed sold in New Jersey?

There is a prevailing attitude that land must be dedicated either to farming or wildlife habitat. The reality is, with a little creativity, they can coexist. The S.A.V.E. brand was established in 2008 by NJAS and its partner farmers to market products that embody this need for collaboration between farmers and conservationists. S.A.V.E. products demonstrate that locally grown agricultural products can complement habitat and soil conservation practices while achieving economic viability. Thus, the S.A.V.E. program unites, as a common goal, maintenance of robust, local agricultural economies with restoration and protection of habitat for wildlife.