275-Year-Old Historic English Farm Honored By Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — English Farm, which has been producing diversified agricultural products for more than 275 years, was recently honored by Bernards Township.

The Township Committee presented English Farm with a proclamation at the Sept. 9 meeting recognizing it as Bernards Township’s Longest Continuously Operating Business.

"Your farm is a real jewel in our community," said Deputy Mayor Andrew McNally.

The farm, located at 3626 Valley Road, Liberty Corner, was settled in the 1730s.

"English Farm, for nearly three centuries, has been committed to maintaining good stewardship of the land, following sustainable farming practices, and operating a viable agricultural business," according to the proclamation. "English Farm is a strong partner to the community, serving on the Agricultural Advisory Committee, responsible for promoting and preserving agriculture as a viable economic activity within Bernards Township and enabling agricultural enterprises to continue to contribute to the quality of life in the community."

"You are a thoughtful, engaged leader who generously contributes your time to our community," said Committee woman and liaison to the Agricultural Committee Ana Duarte McCarthy to Carol English. "And an example of how working from home is a long-time tradition that has its roots deeply in Bernards Township and our prerevolutionary history."

Owner of the farm, Carol English, said they now have eighth- and ninth-generation owners. She also thanked her "ancestors that worked to keep the property and make it what it is today."

Committeeman David Tancredi also praised the longstanding farm.

"As a business owner, I know firsthand how hard it is to operate a small business. It requires countless hours of work and dedication. You must diversify and adjust to the constantly changing economy to keep the business profitable, to make payroll, and to retain staff," said Tancredi. "As multi-generational owners, we have the added pressure to sustain our family business for the next generation. My business has done this for 55 years, but it's very rare that any business is alive for 275."

In recognition of the Township’s 265th Anniversary, a celebration will occur at Farmstead
Arts Center, titled “Colonial Farms, the Original Work From Home," presented by Bernards Township,
Farmstead Arts and the Basking Ridge Business Alliance.

In conjunction with this celebration, the Township wishes to recognize English Farms as the longest continuously operating business.

For more information on English Farm, visit englishfarm.org or facebook.com/p/English-Farm-NJ or instagram.com/englishfarmnj.