South Jersey Farmers Summit
The South Jersey Farmers Summit, hosted by South Jersey Preservation, will convene farmers, agricultural leaders, legislators, and community partners from across Salem, Cumberland, and Gloucester Counties. This regional forum is designed to address the most pressing challenges in agriculture while identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration.
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With a focus on agritourism, agricultural policy, education, farm-friendly legislation, and business development, the Summit will provide a platform for dialogue, innovation, and strategic planning. Together, we aim to strengthen the agricultural economy of southern New Jersey and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Chris Schilling, Aramark & Avendra Group
Chris Schilling is a thirty-six-year veteran of Aramark with extensive experience across operations, customer service, and global supply chain management. He began his career in field operations, holding roles of increasing responsibility across the Higher Education and Business Dining divisions before joining Aramark’s Global Supply Chain & GPO Team in 2001. Since then, Chris has served in a variety of procurement and distribution leadership roles, with particular focus on responsible sourcing and supplier development.
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Following Aramark’s acquisition of Avendra International in 2017, Chris continued to advance initiatives that strengthen the company’s procurement network and expand supplier diversity. Today, he leads Aramark’s Responsible Sourcing Group, overseeing efforts to source goods and services from local, regional, sustainable, and underrepresented suppliers. His team works to broaden market access for small and local producers -including farms - while supporting Aramark’s clients with high-quality, values-driven sourcing options.
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Beyond his work in the supply chain sector, Chris is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the Volunteer Board of Breakthrough T1D–Greater Delaware Valley, raising awareness and funds for Type One Diabetes research - a cause close to his heart following his daughter’s diagnosis at age six. In his spare time, he enjoys managing and playing in an adult baseball league.
Ph.D. Agronomy, County Agent III (Salem County), Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Dr. Ramandeep Kumar Sharma is a Faculty Member in Commercial Crop Production Systems with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, where he applies a strong foundation in agronomy, applied research, and on-farm problem solving to support growers across New Jersey. Raised in a farming family, Dr. Sharma brings a lived understanding of agricultural life to his work - approaching each grower relationship with the insight of someone who has experienced firsthand the demands, pressures, and rewards of production agriculture.
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Dr. Sharma’s Extension role focuses on helping farmers implement sustainable, research-based practices that improve productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. He works directly with commercial growers to address agronomic challenges, refine management strategies, and evaluate emerging technologies. His outreach is grounded in data-driven recommendations, field trials, and collaborative engagement with producers, ag-service providers, and industry partners.
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In addition to his fieldwork, Dr. Sharma leads and contributes to externally funded research projects, publishes scholarly work, and measures program outcomes through grower surveys and peer recognition. He also assists farmers in navigating available grant opportunities, advising on eligibility, application processes, and how to leverage funding to reduce costs and strengthen operations.
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Dedicated to bridging academic research with real-world impact, Dr. Sharma is committed to supporting the long-term resilience of New Jersey agriculture. His blend of scientific expertise, practical experience, and personal connection to farming makes him a valued partner to growers throughout the region.
Nicole Nocito is the Director of the Woodbury Farmers Market, one of the most celebrated markets in the country - ranked #1 in New Jersey and #5 nationwide. With more than 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, Nicole brings a unique blend of compassion, organizational skill, and community-centered leadership to her work, transforming the market into a cornerstone of local culture and food access.
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Nicole first stepped into the role of Market Coordinator with a simple goal: strengthen local food systems and make fresh, local produce accessible to the community. What began as a modest market quickly grew under her leadership into a thriving, high-impact gathering place where farmers, small businesses, families, and neighbors come together each week.
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Her approach blends strategic vision with hands-on connection - supporting vendors, expanding community engagement, and creating an atmosphere that celebrates local agriculture while addressing real needs within the community. Nicole also works closely with municipal partners, nonprofit organizations, and health-focused programs to increase food access and foster a sense of belonging within Woodbury and surrounding towns.
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Through creativity, perseverance, and a deep belief in the power of local food, Nicole has helped reshape the cultural identity of Woodbury - proving that a farmers market can do far more than sell produce. It can strengthen neighborhoods, inspire healthier living, and serve as a catalyst for long-lasting community change.
9th Generation Farmer, Owner, Creator, and Operator of Coombs Barnyard of Elmer, NJ
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Session: Agritourism Panel Discussion
Amanda Coombs is the ninth-generation farmer behind the growing agritourism program at Coombs Barnyard, one of Salem County’s oldest family farms. Building on a legacy that dates back to the late 1700s, Amanda has reimagined the family operation by creating hands-on, family-focused farm experiences that connect children and adults to the rhythms of farm life.
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What began as a few small summer camps has grown into a thriving agritourism destination featuring animal encounters, seasonal events, educational programs, and most recently, a new reception hall designed for community gatherings and family celebrations. Amanda’s mission is simple and heartfelt - to give kids a place to explore, learn, and fall in love with the outdoors, and to keep the spirit of South Jersey farming alive for the next generation.
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As a panelist for the Summit’s Agritourism Session, Amanda will share her journey, her challenges, and her insights into building successful on-farm experiences that strengthen both family farms and the wider community.
Cowboy and Previous Owner/Operator of Cowtown Rodeo
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Session: Agritourism Panel Discussion
Grant Harris is the 4th-generation steward of Cowtown Rodeo, America’s longest-running weekly rodeo and one of South Jersey’s most iconic agricultural attractions. Rooted in a family legacy that began in 1929, Grant has carried forward the Harris tradition of blending ranching, horsemanship, and Western heritage into a uniquely local experience that draws visitors from across the country.
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What started nearly a century ago as a small community gathering has evolved under Grant’s leadership into a nationally recognized agritourism destination. Today, Cowtown remains a cornerstone of South Jersey’s cultural landscape under the ownership of his family (5th generation) that have taken the rodeo to the next level - offering thrilling rodeo performances, livestock exhibitions, community events, and educational opportunities that introduce audiences to the skills, courage, and values behind America’s ranching traditions.
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Grant’s mission reflects his family’s deep commitment to preserving both agriculture and Western sport: to provide families with authentic, engaging experiences, to celebrate South Jersey’s farming roots, and to keep the spirit of the American rodeo alive for generations to come.
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As a panelist for the Summit’s Agritourism Session, Grant will share the story behind Cowtown’s enduring success, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and his perspective on how agritourism can strengthen local farms, communities, and regional identity.
Hill Creek Farms, Distribution, and Farming
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Session: Agritourism Panel Discussion
Fred Sorbello comes from a long line of farmers with deep roots in Gloucester County, New Jersey, and a multi-generational understanding of agriculture that spans production, distribution, and the evolving realities of today’s food system. His family’s background in cold storage and agricultural distribution gave Fred early exposure to the complexities of supply chains, market access, and the impacts of tariffs on farmers and growers.
After time spent working across the broader agricultural supply chain, Fred returned to his roots to continue orchard production - bringing with him a unique perspective that blends traditional farming values with modern business and market awareness. Today, his work reflects a commitment to keeping farming both economically viable and culturally relevant through orchard management, agritourism, and community engagement.
A strong advocate for mentoring the next generation of farmers, Fred believes the future of agriculture depends on adaptability; recognizing when it’s necessary to be dynamic, diversify, and explore new opportunities while staying grounded in the fundamentals of farming. His experience offers valuable insight into how agritourism, supply chain awareness, and thoughtful innovation can work together to strengthen farms for the long term.
Salem County Surrogate ​
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Session: Q&A Legacy Planning
Dr. Mickey Ostrum brings a rare and well-rounded perspective to agricultural legacy planning, shaped by his experience as a farmer, physician, and public servant. Deeply rooted in Salem County, Dr. Ostrum understands firsthand the personal, financial, and emotional complexities involved in sustaining family farms across generations. He previously served as a Salem County Commissioner and now holds the elected position of Salem County Surrogate, where he oversees matters related to wills, estates, and guardianships.
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Combining practical agricultural experience with a deep understanding of estate and probate processes, Dr. Ostrum is a strong advocate for proactive planning that protects both families and farmland. His work focuses on helping farm families prepare for the future, avoid unnecessary hardship, and preserve the legacy of South Jersey agriculture for generations to come.
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Executive Level Sponsors
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Barn Level Sponsors
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