WEEK OF JUNE 9
1. Thursday, June 11, A3742 was heard in the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee . This bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program, which would reimburse school districts for costs related to sourcing and procuring local foods for students. The bill includes an appropriation of $4.5 million (amended in the Senate version from the original $6.5 million appropriation)
There was an impressive show of support from the FDC-network through physical presence, slips of support, and 9 individuals providing testimony! You can listen to the full hearing here. The committee voted 10 in favor, with 2 members not voting. The bill was favorably reported out of committee with amendments and has now been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Thank you, James Klett (farmer), Beth Feehan, Bryanna Fogel, Kyle Smith (farmer), Toni Bowman, Keith Leder, Jeanine Cava, and Warren DeShields for providing incredibly informative and compelling testimony in support of this bill and to everyone who showed up to submit slips of support! Of course, the bill (and all 3 discussed in this email) will need continued and sustained advocacy to get them past the next steps in the legislative process.
It wouldn't hurt, if you have a moment, to call Speaker Coughlin and/or Assemblywoman Lisa Swain today or Monday to let them know you are happy this bill moved forward and wish to see it heard by Appropriations Committee as soon as possible.
2. Also heard by the ACE Committee yesterday, was A527, Dedicates certain wine tax receipts to "Jersey Fresh Program Fund." This bill addresses the need for a more appropriate and adequate funding source and amount for the Jersey Fresh program. NJFDC Executive Director, Jeanine Cava provided testimony in support of it on behalf of NJFDC. It was also favorably reported out of committee and referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee with 9 yes votes.
3. On Monday, in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, a bill with great significance to urban agriculture, A4350, was voted favorably (by a vote of 9 yes and 3 no) out of committee. This bill Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Senator Turner is the prime sponsor. The Assembly version of it is A5627 (Carter, Jackson-Reynolds). NJFDC supports this important measure as one that would significantly contribute to establishing a sustainable and thriving urban agriculture community and economic sector across the Garden State.