*A viable, dynamic industry integrated within NH's communities

*Diverse products and services with local to international markets

*Steward of nearly a half million NH acres

*Major influence on the State's character and quality of life

New Hampshire agriculture has changed over the years. Today's industry is quite diverse, encompassing many crop, livestock and specialty products. The value of NH's agricultural industry is nearly $935 million.

Farming activity provides the fields, pastures and meadows, that buffer NH's residential and commercial development and affords the views of the hills, valley and mountains. Without land kept open by farming, there would be now greenbelts around our towns and cities and without farming, there would be no barns, silos, or sugar houses that give our state its special character.

Some 3,400 individual operations qualify as commercial farms in NH, managing 450,000 acres including crop, pasture, maple and Christmas tree production, conservation and other agricultural uses. The state's farms produce a wide variety of conventional bulk commodity crops, with milk and apples being the most signigicant. NH farms produce many specialty and horticultural crops for markets both within and beyond the state.

Food manufacturing in NH, including dairy products, bakery products, confectionery, beverages and seafood products, is valued at $550 million per year. Internationally, NH exports over $36 million annually in food and agricultural products.