New Jersey Senate Bill S3325

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/3/24
• Refer: 6/3/24

Caption

Makes FY 2024 supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from General Fund to Department of Agriculture for Jersey Fresh marketing and promotion activities.

Impact

The bill's approval is projected to directly benefit farmers by increasing the marketing reach of locally produced goods through the Jersey Fresh program. The enhanced funding will allow for more extensive promotional campaigns, helping to raise consumer awareness and potentially boost sales for local agricultural products. It should also replace the reliance on federal USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant funds to support the Jersey Fresh program, enabling more federal funding to be directed towards farmers and farming organizations.

Summary

Senate Bill S3325 introduces a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to enhance the Jersey Fresh marketing and promotion program. The Jersey Fresh initiative, established in 1984, aims to inform consumers about the availability of locally grown produce and has historically received annual funding that has fluctuated over the years. With this bill, the funding is intended to bolster the program as it approaches its 40th anniversary, increasing the previously allocated $100,000 for FY 2024 by an additional $500,000 for the upcoming FY 2025.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, some stakeholders might express concern regarding the allocation of state funds versus federal grant dependence. Discussions surrounding financial priorities within agricultural programs may arise, questioning whether sufficient scrutiny is being given to the cumulative impacts of state funding on local agricultural sustainability and the equitable distribution of resources among various agricultural initiatives.