Wakefern Summit Targets Growth for Local Growers

Wakefern Food Corp. held its annual Wakefern Produce Supplier Summit on July 15 at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center, drawing local and regional growers, agricultural officials and the cooperative’s produce procurement staff.

Summit highlights cooperative’s $500 million sourcing pledge

During the opening remarks, Ross Farnsworth, Wakefern’s vice president of produce and floral, reiterated the retailer‑owned cooperative’s five‑year, $500 million commitment to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from farms across the Northeast. The pledge, announced earlier this year, aims to increase the share of locally sourced produce in the shelves of ShopRite and its sister banners.

Attendees displayed their crops, discussed pricing and learned the procedural steps for becoming a supplier. The event’s format included a showcase floor where growers presented seasonal offerings ranging from New Jersey tomatoes to Maine blueberries.

Panel discussion focuses on collaboration

A panel explored how farmers, retailers and government agencies might cooperate to strengthen regional agriculture. Panelists featured Ed Wengryn, New Jersey’s agriculture secretary, and Susan McAleavey Sarlund, executive director of the Eastern Produce Council. Additional speakers included senior officials from the state’s Department of Agriculture and fourth‑generation farmer Joel Viereck, who also sits on the New Jersey Board of Agriculture.

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The discussion covered supply‑chain logistics, certification requirements and incentives for small farms. Participants noted that aligning procurement standards with farm capabilities could expand market access for family‑owned operations.

While the cooperative’s size gives it leverage, the conversation also acknowledged the challenges of matching demand with seasonal variability. Some growers expressed concern that the volume targets might be difficult for smaller farms to meet without additional support.

Beyond the panel, the summit served as a networking hub. Representatives from Wakefern’s procurement team met with dozens of growers, exchanging contact information and outlining next steps for potential contracts. The organization said the event “helps create new partnerships, strengthen existing supplier relationships and bring farm‑fresh produce from regional farms to customers’ tables.”

Founded in 1946, Wakefern remains the nation’s largest retailer‑owned cooperative. Its members operate hundreds of supermarkets under banners such as ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer and Fairway Market. Its scale gives it the ability to direct significant purchasing power toward local agriculture.