Demarest Farms

Demarest Farm: Jewel of Bergen County In the late 1970s, Peter and Marsha introduced what would become one of the largest and most important parts of the business: pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Peach picking came along a number of years later and is rapidly growing in popularity. 1991 to present In 1991, the Demarest Family proudly watched as its legacy continued to grow as their new farm store opened across the street, where fields of corn once grew. Through the years in its new home, the farm market has continued to evolve with the times, still offering the finest quality fresh fruits and vegetables, but also evolving with the time and offering many of the conveniences and services sought today by patrons: a from-scratch salad bar, country bakery, delicatessen, ice cream parlor, and an endless selection of indulgent goodies (like homemade doughnuts and apple cider!) as well as unique gift and gourmet items. A 10-acre section of the farm in Hillsdale was preserved in 2004. Peter Demarest said the decision to preserve the remaining 17 acres in Saddle River came after it became clear that his son would not be operating the farm. Instead, the farm will be run by Jason DeGise and Jim Spollen, two men who have worked for the Demarest family since they were 14 years old, Demarest said. �I�m going to be moving out to Lake Tahoe, but I�m going to leave a legacy behind,� Demarest said. �It�s going to be history. I�m excited. This is the way the family discussed it. This is the way we want it to be.�