Committee advances $100,000 urban gardening pilot to fund three community plots

The committee voted to release A2458, a bill directing the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to establish an urban gardening pilot program that would award grants to three qualified applicants to create urban gardens in low‑income areas.

Under the bill as amended, the Department would award three qualified applicants grants of up to $35,000 each to support a three‑year pilot program intended to improve neighborhood conditions and integrate residents of diverse communities. The bill also requires the Department to arrange for outreach and for a qualified individual — such as from the New Jersey Cooperative Extension Service — to teach residents how to plant and cultivate fresh produce for consumption. Within three years of the bill’s effective date, the Secretary of Agriculture would submit a written report to the governor and the Legislature summarizing program activities and findings.

A committee amendment removed a requirement that applicants demonstrate a contractual relationship with a licensed clinical social worker and made technical corrections.

Committee members expressed support for community gardens but raised concerns about state funding priorities and the potential for overlapping local funding. One member said local open‑space taxes may already support gardens in some districts and questioned whether a $100,000 allocation should be made at the state level rather than locally. Another member asked about insurance costs for landowners hosting gardens; a sponsor representative said those concerns could be addressed in subsequent drafting and implementation.

The bill was moved, seconded and released by voice/roll call; several members recorded affirmative votes. The committee noted the pilot nature of the program and signaled willingness by the sponsor to accept future changes and recommendations.

The bill will be reported to the next stage of the Legislature for further consideration.