Assembly passes Agriculture Day bill

TRENTON — A joint resolution sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Parker Space designating the first full day of spring each year as New Jersey Agriculture Day won General Assembly approval.
“Nothing identifies New Jersey more than our farms, orchards and vineyards. It’s why New Jersey is called the Garden State,” said Dancer. “We are a top 10 producer of 11 different crops, and one of only three states that provides school breakfast and lunch programs. In fact, our farm to school program is a model being followed by other states.
“It’s only fitting that we should set aside a day annually to recognize our state’s vast agriculture industry and its contributions to New Jersey’s and our nation’s economies,” he continued.
“Agriculture is the third largest industry in the state, providing thousands of jobs and billions in revenue,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “With more than 9,000 farms covering 715,000 acres of farmland, we produce an abundance of crops, including our famous Jersey tomatoes and corn, blueberries, cranberries, peppers and soybeans. There’s nothing like locally sourced, freshly harvested produce and New Jersey produces the very best, helping ensure access to healthy food for our residents.”