A single sunflower rises above thousands of blooming companions in a 40-acre sunflower field. This towering bloom symbolizes the growth of New Jersey Audubon’s “Jersey Grown” S.A.V.E. birdseed program.

COURT HOUSE – More sunflowers are blooming in New Jersey than ever before –approximately 120 acres more. That’s because nine farmers across the state have collectively planted 260 acres of sunflower seeds – vs. 140 acres last year – for the fourth season of New Jersey Audubon’s “Jersey Grown” S.A.V.E. Birdseed Program.

The sunflowers, from which the birdseed is being harvested, have been planted by New Jersey farmers who are cooperating with New Jersey Audubon to produce certified “Jersey Grown” sunflower birdseed – the first product marketed under New Jersey Audubon’s S.A.V.E. brand (Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment) – an initiative promoting the production of agricultural products that are economically and ecologically sustainable.

The growth in sunflower acres planted for harvesting by 120 acres illustrates the seed’s significance to the farmers’ revenue stream, as it provides direct access to a local niche market for a crop that offers them a greater price per acre than traditional grain crops, most notably corn and soybeans. However, it is equally, if not more, significant to the birds and New Jersey Audubon’s conservation mission. For every 5 acres planted for birdseed, New Jersey Audubon manages and maintains 1-acre of grassland habitat for threatened and endangered birds.

New Jersey Audubon has seen strong benefits to grasslands it is managing as part of the project at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Raritan and Hillsborough Townships. Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Bobolinks and Grasshopper Sparrows have all been recorded onsite using the fields.

The program is also good for consumers due to the growth in the availability of the green, sustainable sunflower birdseed that further benefits New Jersey’s agricultural community and the environment. Because it is grown locally, S.A.V.E. Birdseed eliminates the need for extensive use of fossil fuels in transit, thus reducing its carbon footprint. With all these benefits in mind, New Jersey Audubon has increased the number of sale days from three to four and has widely expanded its distribution with more retail outlets than ever.

“Sale Days” for S.A.V.E. Birdseed are Sats., October 1, Dec. 10, Mar. 10 and June 9. These days are the optimal time period during which to purchase the birdseed, as these are the days when seed deliveries will be completed to retailers, NJA Centers and farmers’ markets. Due to the anticipated high demand for the product, and based on sales in 2010-2011, this time period will be very limited; therefore, consumers are encouraged to purchase their birdseed as close to these Sale Days as possible for best availability and freshness.

These four Sale Days also signify the days on which online pre-orders, placed through www.njaudubon.org, will be filled. A complete list of retailers and farmers’ markets can be found on the website, and consumers are encouraged to visit the site frequently for updates regarding participating retailers. Online preorders can be placed starting Thurs., Sept. 1.

“As awareness grows about this product, so does demand. Adding an extra Sale Day will allow us to meet the public’s demand for our S.A.V.E. brand sunflower seed,” said Troy Ettel, New Jersey Audubon Director of Conservation and Stewardship. “Not only that, but the extended sales season will allow consumers to fill their birdhouses to attract the beautiful rose-breasted grosbeaks that migrate through New Jersey in May each year. Any birder will tell you that they are a sight to behold and really seem to favor the sunflower seeds.”

Ettel added that the increased availability of seed has allowed New Jersey Audubon to open sales opportunities to more retailers this year. S.A.V.E. Birdseed will be available, as it was last year, at New Jersey Audubon stores across the state, as well as at nearly 40 retail locations throughout New Jersey – almost twice as many as last season.

Participating New Jersey stores and retailers selling S.A.V.E. Birdseed can be found in the following counties: Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Essex, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Union. A complete list of retailer, farmers markets and NJA Center locations can be found online at www.njaudubon.org/SectionConservation/ParticipatingRetailersofSAVE.aspx.

For those in need of a new birdhouse or who want to start a bird sanctuary in their own backyard, New Jersey Audubon stores throughout the state also offer birdhouses and birdfeeders with the official “Made with Jersey Grown Wood” label, products made from 100% New Jersey wood and a perfect complement to New Jersey Audubon’s “Jersey Grown” S.A.V.E. birdseed.

New Jersey Audubon S.A.V.E. sunflower birdseed will be sold in 10- and 20-pound bags this season, instead of the heavier 25- and 50-pound bags sold last year, for easier transport from store to home.

For pricing, please check with the NJA Center or S.A.V.E. birdseed retailer nearest you.

For more information about participating NJA Centers, retailers and farmers or to place an online order for S.A.V.E. Birdseed, please visit www.njaudubon.org.