New Jersey Assembly Bill A1940

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires Department of Argiculture to take various actions to publicize and promote community supported agriculture in New Jersey.

Impact

The bill's passage is expected to foster a greater appreciation for local farming in New Jersey, potentially increasing the overall participation in CSA initiatives. By promoting local agricultural operations and farm-to-table food practices, the legislation aims to boost economic sustainability within the farming community while ensuring that consumers have consistent access to fresh produce. Moreover, the program encourages schools to incorporate locally produced food into their meal programs, facilitating a broader community investment in local agriculture.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1940 mandates the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (DOA) to implement a comprehensive publicity and marketing program for community supported agriculture (CSA) within the state. The legislation defines community supported agriculture as a subscription-based model where consumers receive shares of seasonal farm outputs. This program aims to enhance the relationship between local farmers and consumers while promoting sustainable and fresh food sources. As part of its provisions, the bill requires the DOA to create a dedicated webpage that lists all CSA programs in the state, making it easier for the public to access and share in the agricultural bounty of their local farmers.

Contention

While the bill has widespread support due to its potential benefits for both farmers and consumers, there are likely concerns around implementation costs and the efficiency of the proposed marketing efforts. Some stakeholders may argue about the sufficiency of the resources allocated for the promotional campaign as well as the effectiveness of incentivizing local schools to participate in community supported agriculture. There may also be challenges in developing the necessary infrastructure to support the transition of school meal programs to include locally sourced agricultural products. Advocates for local food systems, however, see the bill as a critical step towards enhancing New Jersey's agricultural framework.