On April 16, 2012 the USDA Rural Development awarded the Value Added Working Capital Grant in the amount of $259,625 to a new U.S. agribusiness, Peppadew Fresh LLC, which will grow Peppadew Goldew fruit on its 14 acre farm inMorganville,NJ.

 Peppadew Goldew fruit, part of the unique Peppadew family of pepper products, were discovered growing wild in South Africa about 15 years ago. Peppadew fruit are known across the globe for their special flavor – sweet and tangy, with just a touch of heat.

 Peppadew Fresh Farms located on Harbor Road is a family run business. Owners Pierre and Doris Crawley live in Marlboro.  Pierre Crawley, President of Peppadew Fresh LLC is presently growing the Peppadew Goldew fruit and will process them under the “Jersey Grown” program.

 Originally a flower farm, the Peppadew Fresh Farm will maintain a portion of the property for growing hydrangea and pussy willows for local markets in New Jersey. In addition, theCrawley’s are presently growing a wine vineyard and are designing a wine-tasting room in the spacious and authentic barn. The farm house is original and completely renovated, and will be the future space for cooking classes which will prepare recipes using the delicious Peppadew products.

 Attending the announcement was USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director Howard Henderson and New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher and Marlboro’s Mayor Jonathan Hornik read a Proclamation stating April 16, 2012 is officially “Grant Award Day” for Peppadew Fresh, LLC in Marlboro. Also in attendance was Council President Jeff Cantor, Councilwoman Carol Mazzola and Councilwoman Randi Marder. NJ Discover covered the event for the NJ Discover TV Show airing in May.           Submitted by Tara-Jean Vitale, Producer & TV Host NJ Discover