State Ag Secretary Helps Open Trailblazing Local Store

Citing the store's uniqueness in New Jersey, state agriculture secretary Douglas Fisher officially opened Alan's Orchard on Quimby Street Tuesday afternoon.

The store, an organic farm fresh food store, held its official grand opening ceremony bringing in Fisher to speak about the store and the importance of agriculture in New Jersey. The store stands out as the first in New Jersey to create an almost indoor farmer's market.

"This is a unique store because it is a storefront that has made a commitment to only buy local produce," Fisher said in an interview with Patch.

Fisher joined the store's owners, Alan Weinberg and Mike Goldblatt, in cutting the ribbon on the store, which has quickly developed a following amongst local residents. The group was joined by local dignataries including Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield), Councilman Keith Loughlin and Downtown Westfield Corporation Executive Director Sherry Cronin and a group of local business leaders and consumers.

In his remarks to the crowd, Weinberg said that Fisher and the state agriculture department helped in the creation of the store, including introducing him and Goldblatt to local farmers to participate in the store. Weinberg and Goldblatt have said that all items in the store will be obtained from distributors no more than 150 miles from Westfield.

"We firmly believe that people will choose local food," Weinberg said.

Fisher said local buyers will want to patronize products from the Garden State, noting such state agriculture milestones as the world's largest high bush lima bean farm and the cheeses aged in state caves.  Several of the store's suppliers were in attendance.

Kean centered his remarks to the crowd on small business development and championing New Jersey agriculture. He said that he has been hearing more about the store at home, saying his wife, Rhonda, and two daughters have become fans of the store's signature organic frozen yogurt.

"Have faith in New Jersey, have faith in New Jersey agriculture and have faith in  New Jersey business," Kean told the crowd. This is about creating opportunities and creating jobs."