The Gold Medallion, the NJ Agricultural Society's highest honor, is presented to individuals who have dedicated their lives to New Jersey agriculture, making significant contributions to the industry. Recipients include farmers, agribusiness members, and career employees who have provided leadership in various statewide agricultural organizations, created advanced marketing plans or business management tools, or otherwise taken extraordinary steps to advance the industry.
This year, New Jersey Agricultural Society is honored to present the Gold Medallion Award to Giamarese Farm and Orchard in Middlesex County, NJ.
This year, New Jersey Agricultural Society is honored to present the Gold Medallion Award to Giamarese Farm and Orchard in Middlesex County, NJ.
Giamarese Farm and Orchards
Jim Giamarese and his wife, Sue, currently farm about 35 acres in East Brunswick. It all began after the Depression back in 1941 with his great grandfather who immigrated from Italy. He farmed in what was known as Springfield, Long Island where he would load up his truck with produce, travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to the city to sell wholesale. Jim’s grandfather joined him and they worked together until the farming business eventually moved to New Jersey.
The farm consisted mainly of grain and hay. Jim grew up around his family and, over time, learned the farming business. As the agricultural industry evolved, so too did Giamarese Farm led by his innovation and instincts to focus on fruits and vegetables while also bringing customers onto his farm to pick their own. In fact, Jim claims to be the first farmer in the area to develop a “you pick” pumpkin patch. Not only is he passionate about his harvest but he also loves tractors, trucks, and motorcycles - repairing, restoring, and rebuilding them for utility and pleasure.
“Jim has always been known as an innovator. In 1989 he received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award (a National Award) that truly showed his innovation and going above and beyond,” says Bill Hlubik, Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County. This marked the next level for Jim in representing the whole farming community and being regarded as a leader in the state’s agriculture industry.
Some of the organizations Jim has been a part of include President of NJ Agricultural Society, President of NJ State Board of Agriculture, Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, member of the original team who began Farmers Against Hunger, and member of New Jersey Farmer Direct Marketing Association. This February, Jim received the Distinguished Service Award at the NJ Agriculture Convention.
Sue and Jim currently operate a seasonal farm market, offering a full line of produce, with 80 percent of the products grown on their farm. They have pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins. They grow bedding plants and choose-and-cut Christmas trees. Their farm is in the state farmland preservation program.
Although they do not have any children, Jim & Sue hope to find a family with as much love for farming and interest in providing quality produce to local customers. Providing fresh, nutritious, and local food in Middlesex County is part of the legacy they wish to pass along to the next generation.
Fun Fact: Jim’s great grandfather’s plot of land where it all started - JFK Airport!
The farm consisted mainly of grain and hay. Jim grew up around his family and, over time, learned the farming business. As the agricultural industry evolved, so too did Giamarese Farm led by his innovation and instincts to focus on fruits and vegetables while also bringing customers onto his farm to pick their own. In fact, Jim claims to be the first farmer in the area to develop a “you pick” pumpkin patch. Not only is he passionate about his harvest but he also loves tractors, trucks, and motorcycles - repairing, restoring, and rebuilding them for utility and pleasure.
“Jim has always been known as an innovator. In 1989 he received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award (a National Award) that truly showed his innovation and going above and beyond,” says Bill Hlubik, Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County. This marked the next level for Jim in representing the whole farming community and being regarded as a leader in the state’s agriculture industry.
Some of the organizations Jim has been a part of include President of NJ Agricultural Society, President of NJ State Board of Agriculture, Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, member of the original team who began Farmers Against Hunger, and member of New Jersey Farmer Direct Marketing Association. This February, Jim received the Distinguished Service Award at the NJ Agriculture Convention.
Sue and Jim currently operate a seasonal farm market, offering a full line of produce, with 80 percent of the products grown on their farm. They have pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins. They grow bedding plants and choose-and-cut Christmas trees. Their farm is in the state farmland preservation program.
Although they do not have any children, Jim & Sue hope to find a family with as much love for farming and interest in providing quality produce to local customers. Providing fresh, nutritious, and local food in Middlesex County is part of the legacy they wish to pass along to the next generation.
Fun Fact: Jim’s great grandfather’s plot of land where it all started - JFK Airport!