Jessica Niederer listens to state Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher at ceremony on her farm in October.
By Frank Mustac, Special Writer
Jessica Niederer, a certified organic farmer and owner of Chickadee Creek Farm in the township was honored by the Township Committee on Monday, March 28.
Ms. Niederer, who is in her early 30s, was recognized for being selected as New Jersey’s 2016 Outstanding Young Farmer, and as a National Outstanding Young Farmer of America for 2016, as well as for her service to the community.
Township Committeeman John Hart read a proclamation lauding Ms. Niederer for her accomplishments as an farmer and her work in the community, including her service on the Hopewell Township Environmental Commission from 2008-12, the township’s Deer Management Task Force in 2009, and for her efforts behind the creation of the township’s local farmers market in 2009.
The state and national awards, Ms. Niederer said on March 28, were handed out by organizations that “were interested in not just that you are a small business owner or you are a farmer, but that you care about your community at large.”
Describing herself as a product of Hopewell Valley who went through the public school system here, she also said, “That’s what living here has allowed me to develop — a sense of altruism and a desire to give back. So, thank you, Hopewell Valley.”
