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Committee releases farm vitality planning reimbursement grant program bill without the $1 million appropriation
Summary
Senate Bill 1560, which would direct the Department of Agriculture to establish a Farm Vitality Planning Reimbursement Grant Program, was amended and released; proposed amendments removed a $1,000,000 appropriation and clarified program definitions.
Senate Bill 1560, as amended, was amended and released by the Senate Economic Growth Committee on Oct. 12. The bill would require the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to establish a farm vitality planning reimbursement grant program intended to support farmers in planning for long‑term viability.
Committee staff said proposed amendments remove the $1,000,000 appropriation from the bill, define the term “farmer” and replace references to owners and operators with the term “farmer” for consistency, and make technical changes to the title and synopsis.
Representatives from the New Jersey Farm Bureau and county agriculture boards spoke in favor. Al Murray of the New Jersey Farm Bureau described high production costs in the state and said many family farm households rely on off‑farm income to remain viable, and he praised the bill as an added tool to help preserve family farms. Jeff Burt of the Mercer County Board of Agriculture echoed support and thanked Senator Turner for her ongoing support of agricultural issues.
After a brief committee discussion the bill was moved, seconded and released by roll call. Senators Corrado, Timberlake, Vice Chair Turner and Chair Cruz Perez all recorded “yes” votes and the bill as amended was released.
The committee provided no appropriation after the amendment removed the $1,000,000 line; any future funding would require separate appropriations action.
