Report on the Joint Forum for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Northwest New Jersey

Event Overview and Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A Joint Forum on Agricultural Development is scheduled for Friday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Performing Arts Center. This initiative, co-hosted by SCCC and Warren County Community College (WCCC), represents a strategic partnership aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The forum will convene regional leaders from agriculture, technology, business, and education to formulate strategies for advancing Northwest New Jersey as a center for intelligent and sustainable agricultural development, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals.

Forum Agenda: Integrating Innovation and Sustainability for Global Goals

The agenda is structured to address critical components of sustainable economic and agricultural growth, with each session linked to specific SDGs.

1. Panel Discussions:
   • Farmland as an Equity Hedge: This session will explore economic models for land use that support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and promote resilient rural economies under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
   • Exporting New Jersey Agriculture to Global Markets: Discussions will focus on strengthening food supply chains and market access, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and fostering international trade that supports SDG 8.
   • The Equestrian Economy: Land, Luxury & Lifestyle: This panel will examine a niche sector’s role in sustainable land management and local economic diversification, aligning with principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 8.
2. Technology and Innovation Showcase:
   • A student-led demonstration and discussion on “Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture” will highlight technological advancements. This directly supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by applying innovative technology to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, a key target of SDG 2.
3. Strategic Planning and Networking:
   • A “Vision 2035” roundtable discussion will facilitate long-term strategic planning for a sustainable regional future.
   • A networking lunch will feature locally grown New Jersey products, promoting sustainable food systems and supporting SDG 12.

Keynote Speakers and Participants

The forum will feature insights from prominent regional leaders, reinforcing the multi-stakeholder approach essential for achieving the SDGs. Confirmed speakers include:

• Retired State Senator Steve Oroho
• Sussex County Commissioner Jack DeGroot
• WCCC President Will Austin

Contact Information for Further Engagement

For information regarding participation or the forum’s objectives, please contact Joe Labarbera, Dean of Accountability at WCCC, via email at jlabarbera@warren.edu or by telephone at 908-835-2323.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on the Joint Forum on Agricultural Development in Northwest New Jersey connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on sustainable agriculture, economic growth, innovation, education, and partnerships. The key SDGs addressed are:

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • SDG 4: Quality Education
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the forum’s agenda and objectives described in the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
     • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. The forum’s goal to discuss how the region can “grow as a hub for smart, sustainable agricultural development” and its focus on “Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture” directly support this target by promoting modern, efficient, and sustainable farming methods.
     • Target 2.a: Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries. The forum itself represents an investment in agricultural research and extension services by bringing together “leaders in farming, technology, business and education” to share knowledge and plan for the future (“Vision 2035”).
   • SDG 4: Quality Education
     • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. The event is hosted by two community colleges (SCCC and WCCC) and includes a “student drone demonstration,” indicating a focus on providing students with technical skills relevant to the modern agricultural industry.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
     • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors. The panels on “Exporting New Jersey Agriculture to Global Markets” and “The Equestrian Economy” aim to boost economic productivity. The discussion on “Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture” directly addresses technological upgrading and innovation within the agricultural sector.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
     • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation. The forum’s specific focus on “Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture” is a clear effort to upgrade the technological capabilities of the local agricultural industry and encourage innovation.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
     • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The event is described as a “Joint Forum” hosted by two colleges that “will bring together local leaders in farming, technology, business and education.” This is a direct example of a multi-stakeholder partnership designed to achieve common development goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several ways progress could be measured based on the topics discussed:

   • Implied Indicator for Target 2.4 (Sustainable Agriculture): The adoption rate of precision agriculture technologies. The focus on a “student drone demonstration” and a discussion on “Drone Innovation & Precision Agriculture” suggests that tracking the use of such technologies by local farms would be a key measure of progress.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 8.2 (Economic Productivity): The value and volume of agricultural exports. The panel on “Exporting New Jersey Agriculture to Global Markets” implies that an increase in exports would be a key indicator of economic success for the region’s agricultural sector.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 17.17 (Partnerships): The number of active participants and collaborative projects resulting from the forum. The article states the forum brings together leaders from “farming, technology, business and education,” implying that the strength and outcomes of this partnership are a measure of its success.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Implied from Article)
   SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.	Adoption rate of precision agriculture technologies (e.g., drones) by local farms.
   SDG 4: Quality Education	4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant technical and vocational skills.	Number of students participating in agricultural technology demonstrations and programs at local colleges.
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through technological upgrading and innovation.	Value and volume of agricultural products exported from the region.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.	Investment in and implementation of innovative technologies like drones in the local agricultural sector.
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.	Number and diversity of stakeholders (farming, technology, business, education) participating in joint forums and collaborative projects.

Source: spartaindependent.com