South Jersey peach farmer on Board of Agriculture

South Jersey peach farmer Francisco Allende has been sworn into the state’s Board of Agriculture, which is the policy-making body of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Allende has held roles in Salem and Cumberland counties at a peach farm, fruit and vegetable distributor and storage and packing facility.

He told the Gloucester County Times he hopes to broaden his knowledge of New Jersey agriculture beyond his experience as director and former chairman of the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, director of the New Jersey Blueberry Growers Industry Advisory Council and board member of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

Allende will be one of eight members on the board, which replaces two members each year and must include four members who represent the state’s top commodity groups. The positions are not salaried.