Every year, the growers of the Jersey Fruit Cooperative (which supplies the Peaches and Blueberries to Farmhouse Fruit) gather together in anticipation to discuss and plan the upcoming season. This beautiful group of people share a strong bond, most of whom have known each other for many years. New growers have been added to the Cooperative over the years but the core group of growers has remained.
Between the laughs and jokes, business is handled swiftly and democratically, always in the best interest of the Cooperative. Since Blueberries and Peaches have such a short season in New Jersey, typically around 3 months for Peaches and only 9 weeks for Blueberries, organization and cooperation is key. These events are important as information and ideas are shared between growers, which is the key to the strength of the Cooperative.
Jersey Fruit Cooperative Blueberry growers (L – R, back row)
Jeff Whalen- Whalen Farms
Hank Rizzote – Glossy Fruit Farms
Joe Jr, AJ, and Joe Sr Berenato – Stoney Creek Blueberries
Sal Colasurdo (Louise Colasurdo is off to the right side) – Mill Rock Farms
Donnie & Cheryl LoSasso (in front) – LoSasso Farms
Joe & Sharon Montalbano – JSM Blueberries
(L-R, front row)
Greg & Renee Clark – Clark Farms
Liz & Lou Condo – Big Buck Farms
Jersey Fruit Peach Growers (L-R)
Francisco Allende – Gala Farms
Carl Heilig Jr – Heilig Orchards
Dr. Lewis DeEugenio Jr – Summit City Farms
Carl “Pop” Heilig Sr – Heilig Orchards
Oscar Damminger – Heilig Orchards
Mason Heilig – Heilig Orchards
