(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Nelson Albano and John Burzichelli to better promote New Jersey wineries and farms was released Monday by a Senate panel.
The bill (A-2978) would require the Department of Agriculture to post on its web site information on the location and contact information of wineries and farms in New Jersey, along with a link to any other list of wineries posted on the Internet by any other state agency.
“Our wineries carry great potential for increased job creation and economic development throughout our state, so let’s embrace that potential and promote wineries and our farms as best we can,” said Albano (D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland). “It’s 2012, so let’s make sure we utilize our technological resources as best we can to promote our agricultural heritage.”
“New Jersey’s wineries are part of a burgeoning industry that can, if promoted properly, significantly benefit our state, and we know our farms are already a key aspect of our economy,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “Let’s use all of our tools to promote these tourist and business destinations to make sure we take full advantage of their benefits.”
Under the bill, information on farms would be posted if the farms sell any of their agricultural or horticultural items.
The bill was released by the Senate Economic Growth Committee. It will now head to the Senate Speaker for further consideration.