William Griffin of Plainsboro received an award for his success in promoting local agriculture at the annual Vegetable Growers of New Jersey and State Agricultural Convention dinner. A farmer, he was honored with the “Distinguished Service to Agriculture” award, which reflects the multiple leadership positions he has taken throughout the years. Griffin, a member of the Middlesex County Board of Agriculture, now serves as president.
A second-generation nurseryman and Christmas tree grower, Griffin was raised working at his family’s nursery, W.V. Griffin Nurseries in East Brunswick. Griffin graduated with a bachelor of landscape architecture degree from Louisiana State University.
Griffin and his wife, Cathy, own and operate the diverse 110-acre farm established in 1932. The products include a mix of field-grown wholesale nursery products, wholesale Christmas tree production, re-wholesale nursery distribution, and choose-and-cut retail Christmas tree farms.
At the state level, Griffin served on the New Jersey Nursery & Landscape Association’s Board of Directors from 1995 to 1997, as well as on the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station’s Board of Managers from 1992 to 1997. More recently, Griffin served as president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture.
“Bill Griffin has provided extraordinary leadership on a local and statewide level for the agricultural community,” said Bill Hlubik, agricultural and resource management agent for Middlesex County. “The Distinguished Service award is one of the most prestigious awards for any agricultural leader in New Jersey. Bill’s being honored is no surprise to anyone in the farm community. He provides a unique blend of wisdom and practical knowledge in fulfilling all of his leadership roles in his career.”
