New Jersey Assembly Bill A3153

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Directs Dept. of Agriculture to establish "Urban Farming Pilot Program"; appropriates $100,000.

Impact

The legislation allocates $100,000 from the General Fund to support the program for three years. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with administering the program, including the evaluation and selection of applicants. As part of the requirements, applicants must demonstrate access to suitable land for garden establishment within designated low-income areas, defined by census data as having significant poverty or low median income. This funding aims to address food insecurity, enhance local environments, and empower community members through education and participation in gardening efforts.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3153 establishes the Urban Gardening Pilot Program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture aimed at enhancing conditions in low-income urban areas through the creation of urban gardens. The program provides grants of up to $35,000 to three qualified applicants, which can be municipalities or nonprofit organizations, to establish gardens that focus on cultivating fresh produce for local consumption. The initiative seeks to improve neighborhood conditions while fostering community integration among diverse local populations.

Contention

A notable aspect of the bill is its emphasis on education and community involvement; each applicant must partner with a qualified agronomist to provide training to local residents on gardening practices. Furthermore, they must also collaborate with a licensed clinical social worker to promote community integration through the gardening initiative. This direct community engagement raises potential discussions regarding the effectiveness of such programs in achieving intended social outcomes and whether the selected regions will indeed see the projected benefits. Ultimately, the program's success will be measured through a report required after three years, evaluating its impacts and potential for continuation.