(TRENTON) – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture today announced the overall winner of the 2022 #JerseyFreshisBest social media photo contest as Kimberly English, a professional artist in Salem County who uses her artwork to advocate for farmers and young farmer education.
The winning photo featured a shot of a sunset in the background over a field of green beans at Olbrich Farms, also in Salem County. The #JerseyFreshisBest grand prize is a $500 gift card that Kimberly has decided to donate to the Salem County Meals on Wheels to use at Weaver’s Farm Market in Pittsgrove.
“Agriculture provides so many essential elements for society and anything I can do to highlight the essence of it is something that brings me great joy,” said English, who lives on Copper Knoll Farm with her husband Chester and their two children. “I was extremely fortunate to capture the sunrise with the crops in the foreground. While we know the hard work farmers do, there are many moments of beauty that take place in this honorable endeavor. I am honored to have received the most votes out of what were many wonderful photos.”
The Department encouraged Jersey Fresh fans to submit photographs showing their appreciation of everything Jersey Fresh by sharing images of New Jersey farmers, farms, markets or produce with the hashtag #JerseyFreshisBest. There were more than 1,000 photos submitted though Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in this year’s contest, which started in June and lasted until Sept. 6. The grand prize winner was chosen by a vote of the best photo at jerseyfreshisbest.com.
“Our social media photo contest had enthusiastic participation, and the many outstanding photos that were posted show why #JerseyFreshisBest,” Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III said. “Congratulations to Kim as well as each of our weekly winners for bringing more attention to the best produce anywhere.”
Weekly winners received a prize pack featuring a Jersey Fresh beach towel, a New Jersey shaped bamboo cutting board, hat, t-shirt, and more. Winners were announced on the Jersey Fresh Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages each week.
More information about Jersey Fresh, including which crops are in season and where they are available, can be found at findjerseyfresh.com
Established in 1984 by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the Jersey Fresh logo was designed to inform consumers which fruits and vegetables were grown in the Garden State. The Jersey Fresh logo guarantees the produce was grown in New Jersey. The state grows more than 100 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
