(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblywoman Celeste Riley sponsored to help promote food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey was signed into law on Wednesday.
The law (A-2342) encourages the purchase of “Jersey Fresh” and other New Jersey agricultural products by state agencies, departments and facilities.
“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 provide enhanced visibility and accessibility to “Jersey Fresh,” “Jersey Grown,” and other agricultural food products and commodities grown or raised in New Jersey, and “Made with Jersey Fresh” baked goods or other food products baked or made with “Jersey Fresh” products 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 law is among several initiatives pushed by Riley to help New Jersey farmers.
For more information about the Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program, visit www.state.nj.us/agriculture/divisions/md/prog/jfqgp.html.
