New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR105

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Expresses support for establishment of "Farmers Bill of Rights."

Impact

The resolution also addresses significant issues facing farmers, including the increasing corporate concentration in the agricultural sector, which has eroded farmers' bargaining power over pricing and access to markets. It compels the United States Congress to enact legislation akin to past federal resolutions that support the rights of farmers. The resolution aims to combat the disproportionate influence of large agribusiness which has been detrimental to small farmers and ranchers by limiting their options and driving up operational costs. Moreover, it urges relevant federal and state agencies to create supportive policies for the agricultural community, thereby promoting better conditions for farmers and ensuring food security for consumers.

Summary

ACR105 is a resolution expressing the New Jersey Legislature's support for establishing a Farmers Bill of Rights. The resolution emphasizes the importance of agriculture to New Jersey's economy, where food and agriculture rank as the third largest industry. It recognizes that New Jersey farmers cultivate a diverse array of produce and specialty crops and highlights the economic contributions of this sector to the state's prosperity. ACR105 seeks to affirm the rights of farmers to operate within a competitive market environment, enabling fair access to essential resources such as seeds and fertilizers while also advocating for transparent consumer labeling of agricultural products.

Contention

The resolution brings to light the contentious dynamics of corporate farming, where multinational entities dominate, often at the expense of traditional and family-owned farms. Issues noted include declining incomes for farmers juxtaposed with rising consumer prices, a reflection of an unfair market driven by corporate practices. ACR105 articulates concerns about foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and the potential risks these pose to food system security. By advocating for farmers' rights, the resolution confronts broader systemic issues and aims to protect the livelihoods of farmers while reinforcing their essential role in the state's agricultural landscape.