As a fifth-generation farmer at Horntown, VA-based Dublin Farms, David Hickman understands all that the Eastern Shore offers.

Working with his brother, Matthew, and his cousin, Philip, they combined to run the farm, following in the legacy of growing potatoes, which has been done by the family since the late 1800s.

New Jersey ranks fourth nationally for peach production, after California, South Carolina and Georgia. Overall, the state has more than 100 varieties of peaches and produces over 60 million pounds a year.

Naturipe Farms is the largest blueberry producer in the world. The company has evolved from four highly esteemed berry growers with their own marketing companies to one company, cultivating blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and avocados.

Ken Gad, the owner of Cambridge Farms in South Easton, ME, is widely regarded as a leading authority on potatoes on the Eastern Shore.

Over 30 years, he has assembled an outstanding team of growers, shippers, packers and marketing partners dedicated to delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

Things have been a bit challenging this year due to weather, and that will lead to reduced yields in North Carolina and a little less than the past few years in Virginia.

Papen Farms historically has grown approximately 2,000 acres of green beans, cabbage and sweet corn, with about half of that land dedicated to the latter. 

However, in 2024, the company made the decision not to grow any spring cabbage.

Blueberries are Sonny Boy Produce’s biggest item, so they are of the utmost importance to the company. In fact, the company ships between 5 and 6 million pounds of blues throughout the year, and the New Jersey deal can account for up to 40 percent of its annual blueberry sales.