Marolda Farms produces a wide range of conventional and organic leafy greens and herbs across approximately 380 acres, including 250 acres dedicated to conventional production and 130 acres devoted to organic crops.

In 2026, the company got into the ground about two weeks later than normal due to the cold weather. Despite the delay, many of its spring crops are coming in on time. 

“The spring vegetable market so far has been decent, definitely better than 2025,” said Rich Marolda Jr., production manager of the family-owned Vineland, NJ-based operation. “It’s a bit early to say how things will go this year. However, conventional spinach sales have been robust thus far and organic spinach volume has been fantastic, both for retail and processing. I’m looking forward to strong conventional hot pepper sales and an expansion on our organic zucchini program.”

Organic production, under the name Sweetvine LLC, has been a key factor in the growth of the farm. 

“Year over year the market has seen an increased percentage in organic sales. I am happy and feel fortunate that this farm has been poised to take advantage of that growth sector,” Marolda said. “This spring methi (fenugreek), dill, lettuce (both OG and CV) and spinach have driven strong sales on our farm.”

For 2026, the company looks to finally get its organic fig program off the ground, weather permitting. 

“Our food safety program is more robust than ever, and we have fully integrated package level barcode traceability,” Marolda said. “Our packinghouse is well equipped to handle more value added, retail-ready hot chili packaging for our customers and Sweetvine is dedicating more land for organic fruiting vegetable crops. Assuming all goes well with the organic fig program, I hope to try my hand at organic passion fruit next summer.”

Regenerative and sustainability practices have been an important focus for Marolda as a grower over the last 5-plus years as he strives to maintain a soil-health focus.

“I’ve experienced a lot of success implementing said practices which I feel have been both effective and beneficial,” he said. “To name a few — reduced tillage, multi species cover cropping and strong crop rotation strategies. I’ve eliminated the use of synthetic dry blend fertilizer; I apply shade tree leaves that drop in the fall/early winter to my production areas (sourced from three municipalities) and there are more biological controls, as opposed to the use of traditional chemistry.”

He also looks for ways to maintain or enhance the soil biology and microbiome. 

“Vegetable and specialty crop production is very intensive, but I do try to raise my crop with the least number of interventions as possible,” Marolda said. 

Working in New Jersey, Marolda feels growers in the state need exposure to more direct sales and marketing opportunities. 

“I would love to see a regional sales association and conference for New Jersey,” he said. “I think we need to do more to bring our growers closer to the retail dollar. I also think there is an appetite in the market for value added products. These products may be out of reach for the 200-400-acre New Jersey grower, but maybe through collaborative efforts amongst each other or by expanding the traditional role of our cooperatives, we can achieve proprietary, value-added retail products to strengthen our revenue and profitability.”

For Marolda Farms and Sweetvine, Marolda believes a continued focus on developing the organic footprint is crucial. 

“Also, for this farm to continue to be viable, relevant and competitive, I may need to explore a full 12-month program,” he said. “At this point, I am being speculative but hopeful.”