Gloucester County farm operator Joel Viereck has been sworn into his term on the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. The event took place during the board's monthly meeting, which also saw an officer reorganization. Bob Blew from Cumberland County was elected President, while Burlington County's Lisa Specca assumed the role of Vice President.
Viereck represents the vegetable industry and has previously served as President of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey. He has also held positions as Vice President of the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture and Director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau in Gloucester County.
“Joel’s vast experience as a vegetable grower and his service with the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, on the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture, and with New Jersey Farm Bureau will prove invaluable in his term on the State Board of Agriculture,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “His first-hand knowledge of the on-farm experience and the issues that farmers face will allow him to provide insights and knowledge that can enhance our representation of the industry.”
Viereck works on a 600-acre farm in Woolwich and Logan Townships. The farm is owned by David and Larry Viereck and operated with Joel and Mike Viereck, marking four generations since its inception over 100 years ago by Leslie Viereck.
The farm grows more than 50 acres of tomatoes, using high tunnels for shading to protect them from heat. It also produces sweet corn, peppers, squash, asparagus, wheat, soybeans, and field corn.
Incoming President Bob Blew has been part of the board since 2023. He manages Centerton Nursery along with siblings Donald and Amy. Centerton Nursery is a third-generation business providing over 1,600 plant varieties to more than 900 dealers across 32 states.
Lisa Specca joined the board in 2021. She co-owns Specca Farms with her husband Dave Specca. Their fourth-generation vegetable farm markets directly through pick-your-own operations and seasonal farmers markets.
