Proposed elimination of Agriculture Dept. dismays market owner
As a member of a New Jersey farming family that has dedicated more than 300 years to growing, tending and selling world-class produce right here in the Garden State, I am deeply saddened by Gov. Corzine's announced intention to eliminate the state's Department of Agriculture.

And as the owner of Sickles Market in Little Silver, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, I am concerned by what appears to be a shortsighted and expedient solution to a financial problem that was not caused by the state's agricultural community or the agriculture department.

The governor and the Legislature must know that the farming community is the caretaker of much of the open space in this crowded state, and that the agriculture department is our representative in Trenton. To remove this bridge between the working farmer and the lawmaking establishment reduces our ability to be heard and diminishes our significant contributions to New Jersey.

Surely a fairer solution to our budget problems would be to make equal percentage cuts across the board. I would ask that the governor and the lawmakers who have long-supported the efforts of farmers reconsider plans to eliminate the Department of Agriculture. Let's do our best to keep the garden in theGarden State for another 300 years.

Bob Sickles

Owner Sickles Market LLC

Little Silver