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I appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective and would first like to thank the Somerset County Agriculture Department for its continued efforts in preserving farmland and reversing the long-term trend of decline.

Yash Patel’s unique farming practices, grounded entirely in the use of pure, natural materials, serve as an important awakening, inviting a deeper understanding of how such methods can restore harmony within agricultural ecosystems. He has demonstrated that these time-tested techniques are not only viable but essential. I strongly support his approach as a responsible and necessary alternative to the harmful, chemical-laden farming practices that are so widely used today. Natural farming is not a step backward; it is the only sustainable path forward.

I write not only as a concerned citizen, but as someone who has personally experienced the difference. Every member of my family prefers vegetables and grains from Umrit Farm because the contrast is undeniable. The flavor of his produce is extraordinary, rich, vibrant, and deeply nourishing in a way that chemically grown food simply cannot match. This goes beyond taste; it is a visible and tangible expression of health. Compared to pesticide-laden produce, his crops feel alive, clean, and truly sustaining.

Producing such clean and high-quality crops requires deep knowledge and wisdom rooted in nature-aligned, traditional agricultural practices. Equally compelling is the integrity behind his work, something that I, along with many visitors, friends, and family members, have witnessed firsthand. Yash Patel does not use any chemicals, not even so-called “green pesticides” or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, his farm functions as a balanced ecosystem where every form of life, from microorganisms to larger organisms, is nourished and plays a vital role in maintaining harmony. This is agriculture as it was meant to be: self-sustaining, regenerative, and honest.

Yet, despite these clear benefits, such a farmer faces resistance?  This seems to be short-sighted and unjust. A farmer committed to promoting true health in society, supporting physical well-being, mental clarity, and a more peaceful way of living, should be encouraged, not obstructed. Yash’s use of hugelkultur, wood chips, logs, and other biomass is fostering not only better nutrition but also a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. This is precisely the kind of approach needed in these challenging times of climate change and its growing consequences. If action is not taken now, the opportunity to scale such solutions may be lost.

This is a call for the government to recognize and carefully evaluate such exemplary, nature-based farming practices, and to move beyond narrow, short-term interests that contribute to long-term harm to human health and the environment. It is time to act with foresight, responsibility, and courage and reconsider policies that encourage more farmers to adopt genuinely natural approaches.

Through my ongoing volunteer work, I have seen firsthand how Yash Patel has restored soil that was once depleted and degraded, likely due to unsustainable farming practices in the past. Beyond observation, he has made his data transparent: all soil reports are publicly available, clearly demonstrating a measurable improvement in soil health, with nutrient levels approaching optimal ranges.

This raises an important question: are these data being considered by government bodies? The transformation over the past ten years from dry, compact, and lifeless soil to fertile and biologically active land is significant.

At the same time, it highlights a broader concern: why are harmful agricultural practices allowed to persist until land becomes unproductive, while regenerative approaches encounter unnecessary obstacles? Farmers undertaking this kind of work deserve fair, evidence-based support. Encouraging more farmers to adopt methods that produce genuinely nourishing, natural food should be a priority. 

Healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people, peaceful world.

I am in full support of Umrit Farm's all-natural, completely clean and earth-friendly farming methods. I am familiar with hugelkultur and woodchip mulching from my exposure to permaculture and indigenous practices. Last year, I volunteered to plant squash seeds in June, which were ready for harvest before the frost, and I can vouch for the moisture-rich, deeply rich soil that was so unusual to encounter in mid Summer. The crops on the hugel are thriving even more! I cannot imagine why anyone who knows the importance of soil health would not offer their full support. These "innovative" practices are actually centuries old and were practiced not only here but also in Europe before current farming methods depleted the soils. Biomass is what makes our forests fertile and full of carbon rich peats. It is wonderful to witness these practices that I learned about in books, workshops and college courses actually being used...and to great success! Visitors to the farm are always impressed. I am proud to be a member of Umrit Farm's thriving local community. This farm is very special.

Visiting beautiful Umrit Farm is a blessing, the Regenerative techniques the farm uses is very inspiring. It's a farm that is highly trustworthy, and I would feed my child the grains and vegetables grown on this farm. I love my child to visit this farm . I wish there were more farms like Umrit Farms that could provide produce that have no chemicals or pesticides or weedicides applications on it at any level or quantity. I am in support of this farm that uses Tree logs as I have personally seen that it provides great nutrition to the soil. The land of USA and many land across the globe lack good quality soil and it's organic soil matter is rapdily depleting due to harmful chemical usage by agriculture industry which our profit drive .It is the need of the hour that we support the Regenerative farm techniques that improve our soil quality without any use of artificial or chemical fertilizers, as we have seen globaly use of chemical fertilizers has deteriorated and has destroyed our soil quality and literally made the land sterile for any growth. We need to support to raise the organic content of the soil through such Regenerative farming techniques and not become another giant corporation with a greed of money succumb to chemical and fertilizer industries. We have so many cases of illnesses, autism in children. Use of chemicals childrens inability to detox brains has been found in research as one of the causes. Carbon content and improving th soil organic matter naturally is the need of the hour and we need to encourage that so that produce we receive from such soil has 10 times more nutritional value than regular produce. It has been found that oranges or apples  that grew 50 70 yrs ago had much much more vitamins and minerals percentage in them compared to oranges, apples growing now this has been attributing to detiriorating soil quality. Kindly encourage Umrit farms and many other farms to go for Regenerative farming and especially use of tree logs, as the trees are going back to mother nature improving soil organic matter and soil organic carbon content and not otherwise ending up in ikea store as extra replacement furniture or toilet papers. People love to replace their old furnitures which are in excellent condition and get new one at lost cost puting our planet and health of our next generation at stake. Kindly encourage Umrit farm which is only wisely using tree logs to improve our soil quality and prevent further detirioration.

        In 2022, Nature published a research paper outlining the effects of standing biomass on Soil Organic Carbon levels. Through four main biological pathways(Fluxes of Necromass, Humification, Microbial Processing, Biochar Stability), the researchers concluded that the total weight of trees(including leaves and wood) are primary drivers of Soil Organic Carbon levels.

        Scientific research has catalyzed ground-breaking agricultural technology and practices for decades. For those who acknowledge it's importance, they are able to move forward sustainably and confidently. Umrit has based it's foundation on ancient practices with the backing of recent scientific findings. Supporting such a organization promotes the flourishment of tradition with advancement into new scientific realms.

        We as a community plead to NJ SADC and SCADB to support this initiative. Your help is imperative in a sustainable future. 

I strongly support recognizing the use of tree biomass—such as wood chips, logs, and leaves—as an acceptable and encouraged agricultural practice. These materials, when applied in various forms, offer a practical and regenerative approach to growing nutritious food while improving environmental outcomes.

Tree biomass contributes to healthier soil by increasing organic matter, enhancing moisture retention, moderating temperature, and supporting beneficial microbial life. Practices like mulching, composting, and integrating woody materials into growing systems (including agroforestry and permaculture methods) can significantly reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and other processed inputs.

Beyond soil health, these approaches help sequester carbon, reduce erosion, and make farms more resilient to drought and extreme weather. They also provide a productive use for local organic waste streams, turning what might otherwise be discarded into valuable agricultural inputs.

Recognizing these methods as valid agricultural practices would encourage more farmers and land stewards to adopt low-input, ecologically sound techniques that produce high-quality food while protecting natural resources. This shift supports both environmental sustainability and long-term agricultural viability.

I urge decision-makers to formally acknowledge and promote the use of tree biomass in agriculture as a flexible, science-backed practice that benefits farmers, ecosystems, and communities alike.

I am a long-time supporter of farmer Yash Patel and Umrit Farm located in Hillsborough, NJ. Umrit Farm provides our community with organic grains and vegetables grown through sustainable, natural methods that protect our soil and local ecosystem. Supporting this is vital for ensuring continued access to nutrient-dense food and maintaining the health of our local agricultural community. We appreciate Umirit Farm for their unwavering commitment to natural farming. Their dedication to growing food without synthetic chemicals restores our soil and provides our families with truly nourishing produce.

We support Umrit Farm because we believe in a food system that prioritizes the planet and our health over industrial shortcuts. Keep leading the way toward a sustainable future. Their efforts are making a tangible difference in our community.

Biomass is ancient indigenous tradition used in many cultures. Yash has made efforts to comply with the stipulations provided by the Commission, and needs additional time to provide a comprehensive timeline on how he will move forward with biomass. The neighbors need to be educated as to why biomass is necessary and beneficial to improving their own soil and environment. If the neighbors have an issue about wood chips spilling on to the street, we can find an adequate solution to address the issue. The baby shouldn't be thrown out the bath water. As a historically preserved site, Yash is keeping in line with the historical nature of the property, such that the soil health is on par or even better than the health of soil in historical times. What is needed is a spirit of cooperation and support for small farmers like Yash, from both the Commission and farmer supporters. Having established timelines, projected goals and a collaborative spirit will serve the mission of both the farm and the Commission as well. All of us are watching carefully what the Commission decides as we encourage our next generation to step into environmental stewardship.

The use of wood logs (tree biomass) in agriculture is a basic farming method. Arguments can be made as to whether this method of farming is the correct choice in every farming situation, but no argument can be made as to whether or not this is an actual farming method. To suggest that the use of logs in farming is not actual farming is akin to suggesting that someone fishing with a net and without poles and bait is not actually fishing. This should not even be an issue. Umrit’s farm (and many others across the state and across the world) are utilizing the most basic, restorative form of agriculture. To suggest this is not agriculture is ludicrous. Please do the right thing and recognize that the use of logs helps not only these farms, but helps everyone in proximity who benefits from restorative agricultural practices. Thank you for your attention in this matter. 

I have learned about natural farming and have visited Umrit Farm several times since their initial arrival.  During those visits, the Patels have generously demonstrated to me their natural farming techniques and results within their 5 acre exception area.  The transition from nutrient depleted soil to rich fertile soil has been truly remarkable.  I urge the commission to not discount the evidence seen in the 5 acre exception area even though it wasn’t part of a designated pilot program.  A comparison of the exception area to the rest of the farmland is eye opening.  They have restored that small test area to dark rich soil akin to the Great Plains before the Dust Bowl.  At a minimum, I suggest that Umrit Farms be granted a new pilot study with new biomass (yes, allow them to bring in fresh biomass for the purposes of this study) so that they can perform a proper demonstration of their natural farming techniques under your careful observation.  I am sure that they will be able to replicate the high quality soil in the pilot area like what they created in their 5 acre exception area.  Granting them this opportunity will be a great benefit to our community and to the advancement of natural farming techniques.  And perhaps other farmers, including yourselves, will want to test these techniques on your own, much larger, farms as well.  Contact me if you want to discuss more.  Thank you.  

Umrit farm is doing something that is natural and in line with what happens in nature. By disrupting nature, we (mankind) would be on the losing side. Umrit farms vegetables are so nourishing. Anyone questioning this should give it a try. Thank you for taking this important responsibility on behalf of all of us. I support Umrit farm and other farms using natural practices and request townships to dive deeper to understand the impact.

Umrit is of great service to the community, and is an exemplary local farm. Not only should it not be curbed, its methods should be learned from, and replicated in other locations.

I’ve been a regular customer of Umrit Farms and strongly support these regenerative growing methods. Farming, when done mindfully, harnesses natural energies through healthy soil biology to produce nourishing food. Using local biomass, hügelkultur, mulch, and biochar builds long-term soil health, supports biodiversity, and sustains ecosystems without harmful chemicals.

Spare tree parts every year become a nuisance even though they can be used to contribute to the growth of more plants and trees. These chips, bark, and leaves are often also burned, which contributes to climate change, while they could be used for many better purposes.

Synthetic fertilizer contaminates food and causes plants to be less healthy. 

More recycling of tree parts is needed to ensure a sustainable future.

Having gone through the details been put by Umrit Farms, if it stands by its practices, then I do not understand why these regulations come into effect when something logical and justifiable is already in conduct and been followed. 

Either these regulations have gone off the track from basics of understanding or there is some confiscated motive behind.

It is duty of humans to protect environment and utilize the nature givings.

Synthetic can be given a thought for production in places having scarcity and unfriendly environment but these factors don’t apply in New Jersey which is Garden State.

There is no reason to use synthetic products here.

This organic farm and their farming practices (regenerative farming using hugelkultur methods from tree biomass). are an inspiring model of a viable means of sustainable farming. Having had my husband get non-Hodgkin lymphoma from using RoundUp/glyphosate in an agricultural application & get a payout from a class action suit with Monsanto but never get his health back, I am 100% supportive of any regenerative farming practices that would prevent such injuries and cancers. 

Umrit Farm's traditional, chemical free farming shows that food can be grown in harmony with the Nature,  without synthetic fertilizer or pesticides,  keeping both human beings and the environment truly healthy. We proudly choose to purchase from them, as more people are becoming aware of the lasting harm caused by unnatural farming methods.  This approach protects soil quality for future generations instead of degrading it permanently.  Supporting such farming isn't just a choice , it's the only sustainable path for feeding humanity responsibly.  

The use of tree biomass should be considered standard procedure for acceptable agriculture practices to grow nutritious foods and improve the environment while also reducing dependence on synthetics, chemicals, and processed materials.  UMRIT is taking a responsible stance through their stewardship to the Earth by using farming practices that have been in place for thousands of years. They should be thanked and celebrated for NOT poisoning the soil and ground water with chemicals that so many other farmers choose to use. They should be allowed to continue this practice without interruption and interference. 

I have personally been to this farm many times and have bought various vegetables and grains grown by this farm. They are hard working and growing organic vegetables. I have born and brought up in India eating home grown food and when I eat the vegetables from this farm I felt like being back at home. Finally we are able to buy produce which has no chemicals and taste amazing locally. We should support this farm and farmers like this for better future for our kids. 

UMRIT’s use of locally available tree biomass—logs, wood chips, hügelkultur systems, and biochar—demonstrates a practical and time-tested approach to producing nutritious food while restoring soil health. These methods naturally enhance organic matter, support carbon sequestration, improve water retention, reduce erosion, and significantly minimize energy inputs by avoiding excessive tilling and imported soil amendments. Historical examples such as terra preta soils affirm that such practices can sustain fertility for centuries.

Growing up in India everything was grown organically using what nature already provides. There is a reason why we used to do things that way, it's not just good for the produce but also good for the whole ecosystem. Nature takes care of itself and practices that do no use chemicals to grow food and promote a healthier and better ecosystem are beneficial for our mother earth. 

We should all be supporting natural and sustainable agricultural methods. I am in full support of the Umrit Farm and their natural farming practices. Umrit Farm is helping the community and the environment. They should be rewarded for their efforts not penalized.

The fact that the government does not recognize these methods which have been used for thousands of years prior to the modernization of agriculture is just another example of governmental overreach.

Prevalence is not a rationale for continuation. The evidence against pesticide use for long term preservation and cultivation is clear. Farming and cultivation should not be reduced to a science of optics/beautification and prevalent practice. Let nature be natural to the extent possible/practicable.

We all need to be working towards a sustainable sources of living. I appreciate Umriit doing what I am unable to fully do. Good luck & you have my support fully. 

This what I have been looking for my entire life  and we this, please help them to continue the work they have been doing. We don’t need synthetic stuff on our table and body.

My support for the Campaign for Naturals stems from a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. For too long, industrial progress has come at the cost of our planet’s health. I believe that by embracing natural products and sustainable practices, we can reduce our ecological footprint and live in harmony with the Earth. UMRIT’s mission resonates with my belief that we must protect our natural resources for future generations. Choosing ‘Natural’ is my way of saying 'no' to exploitation and 'yes' to a regenerative way of life

Use Biomass energy wisely. Carbon neutral is important for environment. 

I've done Hügelkultur and commend this agricultural practice as it has many benefits.

The science behind how and why these processes work are interesting and beneficial, providing many future benefits for citizens. I hope we can continue to learn and grow through this project. 

Using natural products is good for health and very necessary.

Our research indicates that usage of tree biomass substantially enriches the soil and boosts carbon storage, soil nutrients, and ecosystem productivity. We wholeheartedly support such environmentally friendly practices for every grower and farmer in the state. 

This approach is not just “good practice”—it’s state-of-the-art regenerative design that many market gardeners, homesteaders, and community food projects use successfully worldwide as per articles and publications.

I believe in natural approaches to life’s challenges both personally and systematically 

Mother Nature knows much that we can learn from 

I have personally consumed the vegetables grown on Umrit farm and found they are very nutritious and retain the organic taste.

We have become so much technology driven and effect on our health. Organic farming is the root of our good health. 

The use of on-farm and locally sourced biomass represents a sustainable, regenerative approach to agriculture that aligns with New Jersey’s long-term environmental and agricultural goals

It’s our responsibility to practice a good natural way of farming, That’s how it’s supposed to be. 

There is nothing done at umrit that isn’t also done in other farms naturally in different ways. Rain washoff from nearby forests, where these processes occur naturally, enriches the soil of surrounding farms. I see farms that are surrounded by elevated roads, where car residue automatically collects every time it rains. The process performed at umrit is also an affordable way to restore compressed soil on degraded land, if accepted. 

This is amazing way to help the circle of life.

tell the Democrats who run NJ agriculture to go to hell!!!  sustainable ORGANIC farming, practiced NATURALLY, is the ONLY way to go!!!!  I want ORGANIC, not dictates from incompetent shitheads in NJ govt!!!!

Get out of the way and let farmers farm

It’s the garden state, not the Nanny state

It is absolutely important that we support traditional farming methods, especially those that use natural means as against the proliferation of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. I fully support Umrit’s petition. 

As the Garden State, we need to be on the leading edge of sustainable farming,

Everything everything we need to keep our soil in earth Healthy is all around us. We must become stewards

 instead of chemical makers. Please he support this movement.

We wholeheartedly support natural farming practices that are beneficial not only for the environment but also optimal in growing sustainable foods. The owners are extremely kind and into conscious farming practices. We had the opportunity to enjoy a trip around the farm and eat delicious millets  plucked out of the ground which was made possible through their natural farming practices. 

This company should get full carbon credits for use of tree biomass. Good Luck !

I support growing food organically, without the use of pesticides or synthetic chemicals, as these practices can harm our environment and damage the health of our planet.

This is important to encourage more ecological approaches to agriculture.

It is a nature friendly practice which saves natural farming practice! Kindly allow!

I don’t what is their objection. Maybe you can convince your neighbors to start some activities to gain more acceptance.

Mother nature is the ultimate “ truth and power”. Please respect it 

I support farming methods that do not rely on pesticides. Farmers should be free to use the method of their choice as long as it produces food that is safe for consumers and not toxic to neighbors

These are sustainable development practices and protect the environment. Also, they are ancient practices and hence, have stood the test of time.

I am for preserving ecological development

Preserve nature to preserve yourself 

utilize tree biomass as source for soil carbon enrichment

As a direct neighbor, I am in support of Umrit's practices. It is ecologically safe, poses no safety risks, and is an example to follow for progressive farming. As a farmer myself, I'd rather live next to a farm using renewable natural inputs rather than pesticides and herbicides!

What really matters to the soil for plant growth, whether a food forest or agriculture is organic matter, uncotaminated, as natural as possible, God-made not man-made as soil is God-made. I am however, not convinced about necessity of biochar as mandatory. 

These r the sustainable farm practices which have been going on from centuries, it's our duty to promote such eco-friendly initiatives as a responsible human being 

Needs to keep it up 

Yes....it's would be great transformation at the hands of The Nature without artificial act of Humans limited Knowledge. Result will be manifold if we go hand in hand with Nature.

In a short form as we say any natural resources has good results 

Man made the towns and God made the villages. We must go back to nature to the extent possible.

I personally prefer to buy naturally grown food without pesticides as much possible. I have purchased food from Umrit farms and have always found the quality and nutrition to be great. I support their methods of farming.

We like the natural way of agriculture instead of synthetic fertilization. 

Using tree biomass for agriculture is a great idea and has many advantages such as nutrient recycling.

I fully support Umrit Farms and their way of maintaining the health of our local agricultural community with this practice

 NJ SADC to recognize the use of tree biomass as a legitimate and beneficial agricultural practice. These natural methods improve soil resilience while reducing our collective reliance on expensive synthetic chemicals. Protect our local environment and food security.

Nutritional food is good for health

This is a very good for environment and community.

Lets live guilt free and in one with nature! 

Visited Umrit farms personally and I would like to vouch for their effort! They believe in best for the environment selflessly! 

These sustainable practices, I believe, are now more emergent to explore, to help us yield more sustainable practices cognizant of the environment and the natural resources we live in and thus accrue. Hence, the experiments, or say practices, that enable producers—where consumers are now increasingly looking for organic and chemical-free produce—need to be explored, eventually shared, and leveraged.

The impact assessment must be done and reported as white paper. Regulation and laws may require to follow stipulated process. 

Natural to the environment means more natural growing crops, this also means less preservatives in the food we are consuming! 

Good and natural source for make soil

Biomass is good and highly beneficial for farming.

Using trees as biomass, offer a number of benefits, to include improves soil health, and reduces erosion,  as nature intended 

I’m in full support of clean and earth friendly practices that Umrit Farm is practicing, not only it creates nutrient dense produce which promotes better health but also healthy environment for all living beings. 

hugelkultur is shown to be beneficial to the soil ecosystem and farmers should be allowed to use tree biomass

We should encourage naturals which is good for our environment. 

Let’s make this world a peaceful livable place for our children and generations to come. Do not become a SLAVE to these corporate currupt businesses.

These practices has been there in past and are not only environment friendly but chemical free 

Pls do not enforce use of syntactics or chemicals

The agencies before imposing a flat resolution for agriculture should study further alternative means of agriculture.

Natural is the best. Look at the birds and animals like cows and goats they eat natural and are very healthy

Please help maintaining the authenticity and purity of this farm by keeping it all natural. 

We need more permaculture projects and cow protection like this.

Each  small step towards better world is valuable

Synthetic products are not good for health and environment 

There is a paucity of natural products 

Protection Mother Nature is primary responsibility of humans and we should follow laws of nature rather than exploiting the natural resources. Damaging the equilibrium is harmful for everyone