New Jersey Organic Farming Group Introduces Fresh Leadership at Annual Gathering

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey welcomed new board president Melanie Ganzman at their annual winter conference in Asbury Park. Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul also addressed attendees, expressing her support for agricultural initiatives and her desire to rejoin the agriculture committee.

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Agricultural professionals gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on January 31st for the annual winter gathering of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, where they were introduced to the organization’s newly appointed board president.

Melanie Ganzman, who has served as a board member for several years, addressed the audience before the main presentation, sharing her unique perspective on agriculture.

“I come to farming with no legacy,” Ganzman told the assembled farmers during her introductory remarks.

She described her learning journey, explaining how she needed to understand milling processes and connected with grain producers while visiting milling facilities to grasp the technical support required in the industry. When seeking guidance on policy matters, she turned to veteran board member Cali Alexander for direction.

Reflecting on her leadership role, Ganzman noted that “leadership is a lot like farming, it’s about stewardship.” She outlined her guiding principles as “soil-labor-policy-trust.”

The conference also featured remarks from Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul (D-11), who represents the local district. Originally from Newark, Peterpaul has made Long Branch her home for many years, where she previously served as municipal judge. She operates Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park as managing partner, specializing in labor and employment law, general litigation, and training and education. Her background includes work as an assistant county prosecutor, with educational credentials from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University Law School.

Currently serving as vice chair of the judiciary committee while also participating in financial institutions and insurance and aging and human services committees, Peterpaul expressed her desire to return to her previous role on the agriculture committee.

“Being on the ag committee opened my eyes to what our state is so much about: farmers, food, caring about people,” Peterpaul explained. She praised the growing involvement of women in agriculture, saying “I love so many women are involved in farming. They have a different sense of compassion and of gathering. It’s important for the legislature to know what you do.”

Concluding her address, she assured the audience: “You have a friend in the Assembly.”