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RILEY BILL TO PROMOTE NEW JERSEY FARM PRODUCTS APPROVED ADVANCED BY SENATE PANEL

(TRENTON) – Assembly-approved legislation Assemblywoman Celeste Riley sponsored to push the state toward giving preference to food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey was advanced Thursday by a Senate panel.
“Farming is part of New Jersey’s heritage, but amid increasing pressures from development and a difficult economy, that heritage is being pushed to the edge each and every day,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Salem/Gloucester). “This bill simply requires the state, whenever possible, to give preference to “Jersey Fresh,” “Jersey Grown,” and other agricultural food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey when entering into or renewing a contract for use by various state agencies, departments and facilities. It’s a common sense way to promote our products and help our farmers in a practical way that can benefit everyone.”
“Jersey Fresh” is an advertising and promotional program developed by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in 1983 to draw consumer attention to the availability of New Jersey farm products. Growers who register with the department’s quality grading program are allowed to use the “Jersey Fresh” logo on their packages.
The logo indicates that the contents have been inspected and meet standards equal to, or better than, U.S. No. 1 or U.S. Grade A. Another component of the “Jersey Fresh” program is the “Jersey Grown” logo, which has been developed for nursery plants.
The bill (A-2342) is among several pushed by Riley to help New Jersey farmers.
“Jersey Fresh is an instantly recognizable brand name that consumers know means high quality fresh and nutritious products,” said Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem).
The bill was approved 77-0 by the Assembly in October and released Thursday by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.