Farmers fear loss of clout

The Department of Agriculture, a lifeline for the Old Bridge farmer and his peers, was on the chopping block.

By the end of the month, Gov. Jon Corzine confirmed his fears. Corzine's stripped-down budget would fold the department's responsibilities into other agencies, leaving the Garden State in the company of Rhode Island and Alaska as the only places in the nation without an agriculture department.

The administration argues the move will save nearly $4 million and doesn't imply any disrespect for New Jersey's agricultural community.

Farmers beg to differ.

"It would be quite a blow to the farming community. I don't know how many of them would give up because of it," said Hauser, a fourth-generation fruit and vegetable farmer.

Without a department to call their own, farmers say they will lose public stature -- and more importantly, the governor's ear.