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Committee releases resolution honoring 40 years of Jersey Fresh; farm groups note funding shortfall
Summary
The committee released Assembly Concurrent Resolution 138 recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program. Testimony from the New Jersey Farm Bureau noted the program’s funding has fallen from $1.2 million at its peak to $150,000 currently and urged attention to marketing resources.
The Commerce and Economic Development committee released Assembly Concurrent Resolution 138, which honors the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh agricultural marketing and quality-grading program. The resolution recognizes the program’s role in promoting New Jersey-grown produce, its expansion to related labels such as Jersey Raised, Jersey Seafood and Jersey Grown, and its role in supporting family farms.
Ashley Kerr of the New Jersey Farm Bureau testified in support and provided funding history: at the program’s height in the early 2000s it was funded at $1,200,000; in lean years it dropped to $50,000; and current state funding is $150,000. Kerr said the program’s scope has grown to cover more product lines while funding has not kept pace, and she noted aquaculture’s interest in joining the program would require a separate quality grading approach for shellfish.
The committee moved to release the resolution, recorded affirmative votes from members present and adjourned.
The resolution is ceremonial and was released from committee for further legislative processing.
