
Meet This Week's Featured Local Farmer
Heilig Orchards
"For 5 generations, we've embraced both preservation and innovation."
Heilig Orchards was first established as Charles Heilig and Son in 1909 on 93 acres of land with the aim of farming cabbage and peppers. Today, 4 generations later, Heilig Orchards consists of over 225 acres devoted primarily to growing peaches. Nestled in the charming town of Mullica Hill, NJ, the property is considered a picturesque destination for fruit lovers, and includes 93 acres of land permanently preserved by the state for conservation and agriculture. The Heilig family, soon stretching to 5 generations of farmers, is dedicated to innovation, adopting an industry leading, Integrated Pest management system and 100% drip irrigation. To further ensure only the highest quality produce leaves their orchard, they replace 10 acres of peach trees each year.
Farm to Table: Vibrant Recipes Using Fresh Produce
Macrie Brothers Blueberry Farm
"We are a proud third-generation family farm, everyone in the Macrie family is actively involved in its operations, carrying forward a legacy of dedication and innovation."
Located in Hammonton, NJ, otherwise known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World”, the Macrie Brothers Blueberry Farm sits on some 800 acres, while standing on family tradition. Established by their father in 1953 as a 26-acre farm, today the 3 brothers, along with a handful of family members and some 500 workers produce 5 million pounds of blueberries per year. Still, despite “always wanting to be on the leading edge of technology and research to bring the biggest and best berries to our customers,” for the Macrie Bros, handpicking remains the preferred method for the fresh-market berries for which the farm is known.
In Case You Missed Them: Past Featured Farmers
Frank Donio Farms
"Our family works hard to bring the best of our farm to your table, and we're proud to be a part of your meals and memories."
The seed from which Frank Donio Inc. grew was the brainchild of founder Frank Donio (b. 1898). His idea: to provide a service to the growers in his community by delivering fresh, locally grown produce, daily, to the growing urban markets of New York and Philadelphia. From that foundation sprung 4 generation instilled with a desire to grow great produce, improve people's lives, and give back to the community. You can taste that commitment in their blueberries, raspberried, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, squash and more.