HILLSDALE, NJ — After a one-year pandemic-forced hiatus, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture returned to its tradition of hosting the Eastern Produce Council's annual Jersey Fresh Cookout. The May 25 gathering was the 33rd NJDA-sponsored EPC meeting. As usual, the event was held outdoors here at Demarest Farms, though this year the open-air gathering offered the added benefit of easing attendees’ concerns about COVID-19 — Eastern Produce Council members greeted each other with visible smiles.