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ORGANIC LAND CARE NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPERS IN NEW JERSEY

Extension Education

Amy Rowe
Environmental and Resource Management Agent
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Roseland

Abstract

\r\n Organic landscaping is an approach to land care that implements environmentally-friendly techniques that not only maintain beautiful lawns and turf, but also improves watershed health by reducing both stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution. Currently, the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) runs an Organic Land Care Program in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. The basis of the program is a 5-day accreditation course which certifies industry workers to be NOFA-accredited organic land care professionals. New Jersey-based landscapers must travel to other states in order to become NOFA-accredited. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is currently adapting and implementing the program for the New Jersey landscaping industry.  In order to better understand New Jersey landscaping professionals’ attitudes toward organic land care, a survey was conducted over several landscaper workshop events. Two-hundred surveys were administered, yielding 141 responses. Fifty-seven percent of respondents answered yes or maybe when asked if they would want to become a certified organic landscaper. Thirty-three percent believed that being certified in organic land care would help their businesses, and 33% of respondents believed their customers might be willing to pay more for organic landscaping. Forty percent of those surveyed stated that their customers had already expressed interest in organic or “all natural” landscaping products and techniques. Based on these results it seems there is moderate interest in organic land care techniques among New Jersey professionals and residents. Additional survey results will be presented as well as how these results will assist in planning New Jersey’s organic land care program.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: A.A. Rowe, M. Bakacs, W. T. Hlubik, J.L. Zientek, R. Weidman
  1. Rowe, A. Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07068
  2. Bakacs, M. Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08902
  3. Hlubik, W. Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08902
  4. Zientek, J. Senior Program Coordinator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07068
  5. Weidman, R. Program Associate, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08902