SMITHFIELD – On Sept. 5, the Isle of Wight-Smithfield-Windsor Chamber of Commerce honored Jake and Amanda Browder of Browder’s Fresh Pickins with the Farm Family of the Year Award 2013.

The recognition took place during the chamber’s annual meeting as a “Farm to Table” dinner with tables lined up end to end down Hayden’s Lane in downtown Smithfield.

The meal was catered by the Smithfield Gourmet Bakery, which used local purveyors. The menu included roasted brined chicken, sweet potatoes, herb summer succotash, house made bread with sweet cinnamon butter and house made pies, all served with local wines.

During the dinner, Lori Leib was introduced as the Chamber’s new chairwoman for 2013-2014. Board members were also recognized.

Jake Browder earned his undergraduate and master’s degree in horticulture from Virginia Tech. In addition to running his business, he is a soil conservationist for Natural Resources Conservation Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Amanda Browder earned her undergraduate and master’s degree in science education at Tech. She also teaches middle school science and coaches softball.

The couple met at VT and have been married for four years. They have a daughter, Lucy Pearl, 16 months old.

They started Browder’s Fresh Pickins to provide the community with a variety of locally grown, delicious and healthy products. They can be seen weekly at the local farmers’ market, an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce.

In their free time, the Browders enjoy working outside together gardening and landscaping.

Commonwealth Gin, DeWitt’s Automotive, Prescription Fertilizer and The Scoular Company sponsored the Farm Family of the Year.