via Northwest Bergen Press

The last true pick-your-own farm in Bergen County will remain preserved, Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan announced this afternoon.

The 17-acre Demarest Farm property in Saddle River will be purchased through the Bergen County Agricultural Development Board for approximately $3.7 million.

Of that sum, Bergen County will pay $2.5 million (68%) and the Garden State Trust will kick in $1.15 million.

Demarest Farm has 27 acres, with 10 acres in Hillsdale and 17 acres in Saddle River. The Saddle River section is located behind Craig Road in Hillsdale and Glenwood Drive in Saddle River. The 10-acre Hillsdale section of the farm was preserved by the county in 2005.

“We’re doing more than protecting farmland from development,” Donovan said. “We are preserving a link to our agricultural past.

“Today’s generation and generations to come will get the opportunity to see how their produce is grown and enjoy freshly picked fruit and vegetables on their table,” she said.

In operation since 1886, Demarest Farm grows and sells a variety of produce including peaches, apples and corn. In the fall, the farm offers pumpkin picking and hay rides. The farm store is on the corner of Hillsdale Avenue and Werimus Road in Hillsdale.

Under farmland preservation regulations, the landowner is allowed to retain ownership of the farm or may sell it with a deed restriction ensuring the land won’t be developed.