UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. -- Each farm prides itself on the production of healthy crops, but a 300-acre Cumberland County farm has taken an experimental approach to agriculture.

The Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) in Upper Deerfield Township has acres of research plots that stretch into Salem County, solely focusing on insect control, vegetable breeding and pathology -- vegetable diseases.

Crops grown on site are subject to various experiments -- from wet roots and insect interaction, to diseases.

"Our purpose is to generate information for those in this region, provide leadership to the growers in the region and industry. We generate new info, research and deliver it," sad Director Daniel Ward, an extension specialist.

Ward studies pomology -- fruit and nut culture. The NJAES site focuses on experiments to specific crops grown at the farm.

The NJAES is a component of Rutgers and conducts research, extension work, and educational programs that benefit residents of New Jersey and rural communities.

The station conducts applied and transitional research from raising a colony of insects to study how they interact with the produce to old fashioned green houses and labs.

NJAES looks at field conditions and conducts clinical trials.

"We need the disease to test the disease," Ward said, explaining the various crop studies on site.

The station uses a proactive and reactive approach when researching agriculture, such as directing growers through county agents, problem solving and finding solutions.

For example, a farmer may have diseased apples. How do they solve that issue so that they can distribute healthy, ripe and delicious apples to the community?

"Agriculture is very complex. Biological chemistry plays into agriculture -- it's challenging," Ward said. "We interact more with agriculture more than any other activity. I think we work given what we have, from where we are."

The station grows crops and looks at how disease affects them, so they can solve the problem and find a more viable way to successfully produce local, healthy produce like peaches corn, plums, eggplant, and of course, the Jersey tomato.

"It's tradition -- producing the high-quality tomato that is ripe and flavorful. It's something generations grew up with," Ward said.

Conditions in South Jersey are well suited for fruits and vegetables.

"With the increasing population, more than ever we need to keep agriculture healthy. In order to keep viable and preserved green space without being destructive or poisonous, we ask the question, 'How do we do that?," Ward continued.

Ward said it is key to keep farming profitable, safe, and healthy to produce an abundant food system that serves the needs of the region while preserving green culture.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find NJ.com on Facebook.