Farmers market debuts in Jackson
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Laura and Gary Boehnke

JACKSON - There is something new on County Line Road.

It's a farmers market with plenty of peaches, blueberries, watermelon, corn, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, beans and local honey products for sale. Pies and other products are expected to be added in the future.

The farmers market will be held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the White Butterfly. Local farmers who are interested in participating in the market may call 732-905-7898 for information.

White Butterfly co-owner Michael Kafton, who serves on the Township Council, said, "Nothing says summer like fresh Jersey corn and succulent tomatoes, so why not bring just-picked local produce directly to Jackson residents. By providing fresh produce, we are not only providing quality, healthy food items, we are supporting our local farmers and on top of that we are saving our consumers money."

Much of the produce that will be available at the Jackson farmers market will be supplied by Casola Farms, which has been in central New Jersey for generations.

Doreen Daily of Casola Farms said the farm was asked to participate in the farmers market and agreed to do so. The farmers market made its debut on July 18.

Area resident Renee Harrington said, "I'm really excited to be able to get our local produce here. It's fresh, convenient and I love it."

Also visiting the new market were Jackson residents Gary and Laura Boehnke.

"I've been a beekeeper for over 30 years," said Gary Boehnke, who came with his wife to sell a variety of products. "We produce all these items, honey, spreads, pollen and all kinds of bee products."

Boehnke said he has a pollination service and he also teaches beekeeping in underdeveloped countries in the Farmer to Farmer Program, which is part of the U.S. Aid program.

"Right now I mentor five people," said Boehnke, who noted there is a short course on beekeeping at Rutgers University.

To learn more about beekeeping and products produced by bees, Boehnke said he can be contacted at 732-928-0082.

The farmers market plans to have freshly baked pies, jams, jellies, pickles, nuts and olive oil in the future.

"Our goal is to add new local products as the season goes on," Kafton said.