Hill Creek Farms to close after final apple-picking season due to disagreements with county health department.

Farmer Fred Sorbello, a third-generation farmer renowned in Gloucester County, New Jersey, has announced his retirement, which will mark the end of public apple-picking activities at Hill Creek Farms. This beloved destination for families and community members will cease operations as a public attraction following the completion of this year’s U-pick season, which is open until the end of November. Under the stewardship of Mario Caltabiano and his staff from MC Farms, the final season promises a selection of apples, pears, and sunflowers, operating Fridays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In recent public statements, Hill Creek Farms clarified that the property will not be sold or redeveloped for other uses. Rather, MC Farms plans to establish its own operational farm nearby in 2026, which is expected to feature attractions such as food trucks and bounce houses, appealing to families, although it remains uncertain whether apple-picking will be part of their offerings.

During the final U-pick season, Hill Creek Farms will include traditional attractions such as hayrides and barrel train rides; however, the market and wine garden will remain closed. The farm, spanning over 60 acres in Mullica Hill, has provided visitors with opportunities for apple and pear picking, market experiences, and various agritourism activities since 2008.

In his farewell note, Sorbello pointed to increasing regulatory challenges as a significant factor in his decision to retire. He noted that local regulations had made maintaining the farm increasingly demanding and indicated frustrations with ongoing oversight from the Gloucester County Board of Health. Tensions had escalated after the Health Department determined in 2021 that the farm was operating beyond permitted uses, particularly regarding bathroom facilities utilized by the public.

The situation resulted in numerous discussions between Hill Creek Farms and the Health Department, yet compliance issues persisted. The Health Department had warned that food service operations at the farm would face closure if compliance measures were not adopted by the upcoming season.

As Sorbello steps away from farming, his three children are set to continue managing an international food distribution business previously overseen by him and his father. It remains unclear whether Sorbello will transition into retirement from the food industry altogether. Nonetheless, he has emphasized that farming has always been his passion, stating that it held a significance unmatched by any other of his business endeavors.

Farming in New Jersey, often referred to as the Garden State, now faces mounting challenges, and Sorbello’s decision underscores the difficulties facing local agricultural enterprises. Despite the closure of Hill Creek Farms for public activities, Sorbello expressed gratitude for the experiences shared with patrons throughout the years, marking the end of an era for a beloved local institution.