Bill bolstering Jersey Fresh approved by committee

TRENTON — Legislation clarifying that the Department of Agriculture can solicit private donations to support the Jersey Fresh marketing program, sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space and Assemblywoman Gail Phoebus, today earned the approval of the Assembly agriculture committee.
Space and Phoebus’ bill allows the secretary of agriculture to solicit contributions to promote the sale of New Jersey farm fresh products.
“Since the program was launched in 1984, the Jersey Fresh branding has benefited agriculture and small business in this state,” said Space. “Private contributions can fund better promotional campaigns, further strengthening the program’s help for farms, orchards, fisheries and plant nurseries.”
“Jersey Fresh is a highly effective marketing program that has become a model for other states to follow,” said Phoebus (R—Sussex). “This is an opportunity to pay it forward for the restaurants, small businesses and transportation companies that have profited from locally sourced products.”