Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction ready for fall season

As one of the leading produce auctions in the Eastern United States, the success of the Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction is crucial for New Jersey and the agricultural industry across the Northeast region.

The cooperative comprises hundreds of member farmers and is governed by an elected board of directors. The Vineland Produce Auction is situated on 44 acres in Vineland, NJ and has approximately 130,000 square feet of cross-dock loading, which the member farmers, brokers and distributors use to facilitate the sale of members produce use.

“Our customers are primarily the brokers that have been with us for generations and we hold an auction six days a week for them,” said Carol DeFoor, office manager for the Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction. “Our auction is open to any New Jersey grower until the end of November. All are welcome to sell through us. Additional information is available on our website.”

Most times, the produce is not physically present when the grower sells at the auction, as most are still out in the field picking and packing the product to ensure the freshest quality arrives to the buyer.

“The mission has always been to sell the freshest and highest quality produce for a fair price,” DeFoor said. “The auction has grown with the needs of the members and offers various products for the success of the growers. We currently have an icehouse, cooling and storage facilities as well as a fully-stocked warehouse with various supplies for growing and packing produce.”

As of Aug. 20, when the weather was warmer than usual, the crops were plentiful and exhibiting excellent quality, and the belief is that they will remain so going into the fall.

“The fall tends to be a repeat of the spring season with the lettuces and greens and those lead into the fall items,” DeFoor said. “We will start seeing more turnips, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower and then sweet potatoes will be in full swing. Greens, collards, kale, fennel and herbs are strong seller items in the fall. We do not see any real changes year over year. The growers offer such a variety of items that the buyers needs are usually met.”

There’s also a full range of organic produce up for auction, and they are known by the brokers that deal with organics, and these historically have been big sellers.

“Honestly you never really know what will be in demand, but for sure people are looking for quality and the best prices,” DeFoor.

Since the auction is owned and operated by the farmers, everything is done to support the growers and increase their ability to sell their produce. The Vineland Produce Auction also offers cooling services to assist in the success.

“We offer, dry vacuum, hydro, force air as well as cooler storage for the growers and buyers which helps ensure the freshest produce is being shipped,” DeFoor said.