LACEY – The entrance of 2215 Lacey Road is marked by a sign for Brick Wall Corp. Trucks roll in and out, heading toward the back of the property. A bold “No Trespassing” sign towards the rear makes it clear – this isn’t a place for visitors.
But a left turn on an unpaved road, just before the warnings, tells a different story. There, tucked behind the industrial activity, rows and rows of thriving blueberry bushes pop into view – each branch heavy with ripe fruit and possibility.
Blue Forest brand blueberries are a cherished entity in regional stores – but the farm where they’re harvested isn’t open for business this year.
“This is what we call a non-productive year from a commercial standpoint,” said Tiffany Bohlin, who runs the farm with her son, Brian. “The science would normally say to shut the farm down.”
However, Tiffany decided there was an even better option. “Let’s get the fruit off,” shared Tiffany. “Let’s give it to people who need it while we recalibrate and prune the plants.”
Instead of harvesting for profit, Blue Forest is donating up to 20,000 pounds of organically grown blueberries to Fulfill, the food bank serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
A Different Kind of Harvest
Normally, this would be peak production season for Blue Forest, grown on a certified organic farm that’s been harvesting blueberries for the past eight years. In previous summers, the Bohlin family hired seasonal workers through the federal H-2A visa program – a legal process that brings in skilled agricultural laborers from other countries to meet seasonal demands.
However, a combination of high labor costs, changing market conditions, and the need to prune led to some major realizations. Prices for imported berries from Peru and elsewhere undercut their ability to remain competitive.
Tiffany said the shift began during the pandemic, when changes in trade policy and supply chain disruptions allowed imported blueberries to flood the U.S. market year-round. Imports were supposed to complement United States farms during the off-season and haven’t corrected.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. growers face significantly higher labor costs, which make it difficult to compete on price – especially for organic producers who follow strict environmental and safety protocols.
Faced with these challenges, the Bohlins decided to do something bold.
“We knew the bushes needed to be pruned anyway,” said Tiffany. “That’s essential for the health of the plant. But the fruit was here. We thought, why let it go to waste?”
The Bohlins reached out to Fulfill, which quickly mobilized to help turn this unusual season into an opportunity. Volunteers are now invited to the farm every weekday morning in July to pick blueberries that will be distributed to Fulfill’s network of food pantries and soup kitchens.
Elisabeth Seaman, Communications Specialist for Fulfill, said that in a recent weekday, 20 volunteers picked 66 pounds. The farm gives each volunteer some berries to take home as a thank-you, but most complete their picks with much more than fruit. They leave with a sense of purpose.
Scouts, church groups, local families, and retirees are all invited to join in to harvest for those facing food insecurity. All they need is a willingness to help – and maybe some bug spray to ward off the creepy creatures that want the fruit for themselves.
Regeneration Beyond The Plants
The blueberries on the farm grow in massive, elevated pots – a method Tiffany discovered while living in South Africa. The approach helps protect the plants’ roots and promotes healthy soil. Drip irrigation cuts water use in half, and the absence of chemical use supports a thriving ecosystem.
“Over time, we’ve actually improved the soil,” said Brian. “The microbial activity is way up – this is living, healthy dirt.”
And pruning plays a major role. Cutting back the bushes now ensures they’ll be more productive in the seasons to come.
“Some of these plants are 9-10 years old,” said Brian. “They need to reset. Just like we do.”
The innovative approach to helping fight food insecurity has caught the attention of First Lady Tammy Murphy who visited the farm this month, in recognition of the farm’s partnership with Fulfill and its commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Want To Help?
Volunteers are needed weekday mornings throughout July to help harvest blueberries at 2215 Lacey Road in Forked River. A sign up sheet for available dates can be found here.
Don’t be deterred by the “No Trespassing” signs when you show up for your shift – there’s something much sweeter happening just before them.”
And this summer – every berry counts in the fight against food insecurity.
