(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Eric Houghtaling, Bob Andrzejczak and Adam Taliaferro to help promote New Jersey’s farm-to-table eateries was released Thursday by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
Farm-to-table is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is.
“Farm to table businesses support the local ecology and economy,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “Making it easier for people to locate these eateries is a simple way to draw more attention and visitors to restaurants offering this unique dining experience in the state.”
“Consumers are becoming more conscious about their food and where it comes from,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Compiling a list online can help diners easily locate these eateries, and help promote the restaurants in the state that have joined this movement.”
“The state has a proud agricultural history that often goes unrecognized,” Taliaferro (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “This is an excellent opportunity to further promote our agricultural and culinary offerings and introduce potential visitors to another side of New Jersey.”
The bill (A-1039) would direct the Division of Travel and Tourism to publish information on farm-to-table restaurants in the state, by region, on its website. The bill would also direct the division to establish a process by which farm-to-table restaurants may register for posting on the site, including the criteria for designation as a “farm-to-table restaurant.”
The bill would take effect immediately.