PETERSBURG – During public comment at the Feb. 10 Upper Township Committee meeting, Bob Simmerman briefed the committee on the potential of holding a weekly farmer’s market at his Misty Meadows Farm in Petersburg.
“My farm, where I’ve invested my entire retirement savings, has become a pilot program for the entire U.S. as to how to make dairy farms sustainable,” explained Simmerman. “We do the right thing for the animals, educate young farmers about how to be successful and have received site plan approval from the state and county to hold various events, such as sheep shearing and Easter egg hunts.
“I think with the resources I can bring to reviving the farmer’s market concept for the township, which wasn’t able to survive despite attempts as recently as two years ago, we can offer residents and visitors a great market and also publicize the interesting things Upper has to offer; however, we need to move forward on this as soon as possible, like within weeks, or we will not have enough time to organize all the necessary details.”
Mayor Richard Palombo responded, “This is the first we are hearing about this proposal, but I can say we would find it something we want to support by advertising through the township’s website and our social media connections. Hopefully, we can get everything organized to give you the green light to proceed by the end of the month.”
