New Jersey Assembly Bill A5344

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/23
• Refer: 3/23/23

Caption

Requires Department of Agriculture and certain consulting agency partners to study and report on regulatory compliance cost obligations of specialty crop growers.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will require the Department of Agriculture to gather data concerning the costs associated with complying with various regulations such as air and water quality standards, pesticide usage, and labor laws. The findings of the study could lead to recommendations for revising or eliminating certain regulations, thereby potentially alleviating financial burdens on farmers. This has implications not just for the growers themselves but also for the overall agricultural economy in New Jersey, as it addresses issues of competitiveness and sustainability in the industry.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5344 is a legislative proposal aimed at mandating a comprehensive study to evaluate the regulatory compliance cost obligations of specialty crop growers in New Jersey. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Michael Torrissi, Jr., outlines the need for the state’s Department of Agriculture to consult with the Department of Environmental Protection and the NJAES Cooperative Extension to conduct this evaluation. The study is designed to benchmark the compliance costs faced by local growers against those in other states, which could provide valuable insights into potential financial burdens and disparities across the agricultural sector.

Contention

Notably, while the bill is aimed at identifying areas where compliance costs could be reduced without jeopardizing public health or environmental safety, some stakeholders may express concerns about the adequacy of protections when regulations are relaxed. Agricultural advocacy groups may support the initiative for reducing costs, while environmental organizations could argue against loosening standards. Opposition may also arise from concerns that any revisions to compliance regulations could undercut efforts to ensure food safety and protect natural resources within the state.