(TRENTON) — Legislation sponsored by Assembly members Nelson T. Albano, Matthew W. Milam, Celeste Riley and Gilbert “Whip” Wilson to promote foods prepared with “Jersey Fresh” ingredients continues to advance toward law.
The bill (A-2305) would designate baked goods and other food products prepared with “Jersey Fresh” produce as “Made With Jersey Fresh.” It was approved 74-0 Monday by the Assembly and has now been referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee for more consideration.
“Farmers are New Jersey’s heritage and lifeblood, but they also need our support, especially in these difficult economic times,” said Albano, chairman of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “This simple step would encourage and support not only the manufacture of home-grown products but would give consumers an opportunity to buy goods that use locally grown fruits and vegetables.”
“New Jersey grows more than 100 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and the state is ranked nationally in the top 10 as a producer of blueberries, cranberries, peaches, bell peppers, squash and tomatoes,” Milam said. “These are all fine ingredients, and promoting them with a ‘Made With Jersey Fresh’ label will further support family farmers and bakers.”
“Helping promote New Jersey agriculture and businesses to consumers always makes sense, but it makes even more sense when farmers are struggling along with everyone else during this economy,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “This is a simple way to promote New Jersey, its farm industry and the jobs and economic benefits it brings to our state.”
“Nearly every part of New Jersey enjoys benefits from our agricultural community, and this is a great way to encourage and promote our farmers and the products made from their crops,” said Wilson (D-Camden). “Consumers will embrace it and that will only help our economy grow.”
The bill would also encourage the purchase of “Made With Jersey Fresh” products by the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property and at service areas along the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike and Atlantic City Expressway operated by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority.
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