
A few miles off the interstate, tucked in the middle of the state in Hightstown, New Jersey, the Tri-County Co-op Auction & Market stands as a daily testament to community spirit and agricultural dedication.
Established in 1933, this bustling market has been a mainstay for local farmers, regularly connecting around 50 farming members and their fresh produce to a diverse clientele, including chefs, restaurant owners, and everyday consumers — all at affordable prices. With roots that run deep into the rich soil of New Jersey, the market is a place where local agriculture flourishes, bolstered through a strong relationship with USDA Rural Development.
Tri-County President George Asprocolas -- a first-generation, self-taught farmer and former teacher who felt too confined spending his days in a classroom -- has watched the market evolve over the decades.
“When we started auctioning five days a week, you could barely see the pavement with all the cars lined up to get in!” he laughed.
With its inception more than nine decades ago, the market originally hosted up to 100 farms, a number that has now settled to about half. Despite the reduction in farming members, the heart of the market beats on, thanks in no small part to the USDA's ongoing support.
Through a series of Rural Business Development Grants – six in all over the past six years, totaling $439,600 -- the USDA has been key in funding several essential infrastructure and process improvements.
“Every grant we’ve received has helped make the market what it is today,” Asprocolas said. “The funding has been instrumental in constructing a new loading dock and parking lot, expanding cooler storage, enhancing facilities with better doors to protect products, upgrading technological and electrical systems, as well as new signage. These improvements are not just for show -- they allow the market to operate smoothly and efficiently, making it a vital hub for local produce.”

One of the market's standout features is its unique ability to serve the comprehensive agricultural community. While it specializes in wholesale, the Tri-County Co-op invites the public to shop alongside producers, ensuring everyone has access to the freshest locally grown offerings.
“It’s a beautiful blend of producers and consumers,” Asprocolas noted. “When we bring these farmers together, it creates a nice fit. Each farmer has their own niche, and together, we’re able to offer a variety of high-quality produce.”
Tri-County has also embraced technology through these grants, now offering online ordering to make the shopping experience seamless. This innovation helps farmers gauge which products to focus on, allowing them to optimize their inventory. On open market days, farmers can sell directly from the dock, giving customers an authentic farm-to-table experience.
This growth is essential for the farmers who rely on the market to sell their products. For many, it’s a lifeline that enables them to thrive in an industry that can often feel overwhelming. The partnership with the USDA has also instilled a sense of confidence among the farmers, knowing they have support behind them as they cultivate and sell their produce.
“Without these grants, I don’t know how we’d be able to keep operating,” Asprocolas said. “Farming is not just about crops; it’s about people, connections, and a shared love for the land.”
From specialty zucchini to vibrant hot peppers, the market celebrates the diversity of local produce. Each week, aisles and tailgates are filled with an array of colors and flavors, thanks to the dedicated farmers who pour their hearts into their work.
So, the next time you find yourself in Hightstown, take a detour to the Tri-County Co-op Auction & Market. With the USDA's support and a community of passionate farmers behind it, you’re sure to discover not just fresh produce, but also a slice of local life where agriculture and community meet hand in hand.
In the words of Asprocolas, “It’s not just a market; it’s a celebration of everything local and fresh” — a party worth attending.