Vegetable Industry:

PRESIDENT
president@vganj.com

Born and raised on the farm in Wyckoff alongside his two siblings, 4th generation farmer Jimmy has always had dirt under his nails and a love for the land. Now, he manages the vegetable growing operations on roughly 500+ acres in Hillsborough, NJ, continuing a family legacy that spans generations. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices and a passion for fresh, local produce, Jimmy has helped our farm flourish and grow. Over the past year, Jimmy has had a vision to bring our farm closer to the community by opening a retail location in Hillsborough. We are beyond thrilled to announce that this dream is becoming a reality! This summer, our retail Farm Market and petting zoo will open its doors at 282 Amwell Road. It’s not just a place to buy the freshest vegetables and fruits; it’s an experience for the whole family. From meeting friendly farm animals to enjoying farm-fresh produce, we can't wait to welcome you to our new home. Stay tuned for opening day! Jimmy’s dedication extends far beyond the fields. He is deeply involved in the farming community, actively participating in the New Jersey Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey Farm Bureau, and the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey, among others. His involvement helps ensure that farming practices remain innovative and sustainable, benefiting not just our farm but the entire region. Join us this summer to celebrate the opening of our new Farm Market and petting zoo, and experience firsthand the fruits of Jimmy’s labor and love for farming.

VICE PRESIDENT
vp@vganj.com

Zach Heiken is a first generation vegetable and grain farmer located in Pedricktown, NJ. He began farming in 2005, with 60 rented acres. Today, the farm consists of 4,000 acres of rented and owned ground. The predominant crops are peppers, cucumbers, squash, asparagus, watermelons, and grain.

TREASURER
treasurer@vganj.com

James Rambo has been an active member of the Elk Township community for over seven years, currently serving on the Elk Township Committee and as the Public Safety Director. His past roles include serving on the Elk Township Planning and Zoning Committee, the Office of Emergency Management, and volunteering as a fireman for the Aura Fire Department. Since 2019, he has also been on the Board of Directors for Complete Care Health Network, serving Southern New Jersey. As a fourth-generation farmer in Gloucester County, James hopes his son, James Jr., will continue the family tradition as a fifth-generation farmer. Inspired by his grandfather, James began his farming career working with his uncle, Lewis DeEugenio Jr., on the family farm in Glassboro. He later established his own operation, Rambo Farms, LLC, where he currently farms approximately 550 acres of grain and vegetables. Partnering with Robert Muth, James employs sustainable practices such as cover cropping, leaf mulching, and high tunnel production to grow, pack, and market high-quality vegetables. James is a graduate of Glassboro High School and attended Cumberland County Community College (now RCSJ of South Jersey), majoring in agriculture. In 2006, he completed the New Jersey Agricultural Society’s Agricultural Leadership Program under the direction of Rutgers NJ Agricultural Experiment Station. His involvement with the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture includes serving as the Young Farmers and Ranchers Director, President of the Board from 2015-2016 and again in 2021. James has been a significant advocate for Gloucester County and New Jersey agriculture, providing support to fellow farmers in need. In recognition of his dedication and service, the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture honored James with the 2021 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.

SECRETARY
secretary@vganj.com

Darcy Perehinys, originally from Bayonne, NJ, did not have a farming background or much knowledge about food origins while growing up. After completing high school in the Poconos and gaining experience in various restaurants, she pursued a Culinary Arts degree at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. Despite her culinary education, Darcy discovered that a kitchen-bound career was not her calling and transitioned to the construction industry. In New York City, she worked as a field office manager for a prominent construction company, converting old office buildings into upscale apartments. After dedicating years to her profession, Darcy embraced motherhood and relocated to Hunterdon County, where she met her husband, George Perehinys, a local farmer. Impressed by his hard work and commitment to the family farm, she eagerly embraced learning about farming, from tending to crops to raising livestock. Understanding the importance of networking in the farming community, she collaborated with organizations like VGANJ and NJFB, aiming to expand her connections with fellow farmers for growth opportunities. Currently holding various roles, Darcy serves as the Secretary for the Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture, President of the Hunterdon County Poly Tech FFA Alumni & Supporters, Secretary of the Vegetable Growers Association of NJ, Vice Chair of the New Jersey Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, and a member of the NJFB Board of Directors. While actively involved in farm-related endeavors, Darcy views herself as a proud farmer's wife, honoring her husband's extensive experience in the field. Together with George and their blended family of seven children, they reside on Perehinys Farm in East Amwell, NJ. George takes pride as the farmer and co-owner of Sweet Valley Farms, the sister store to Perehinys Farm.