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Bill

A 5102

Authorizes Secretary of Agriculture to declare agricultural emergency; requires Department of Agriculture to conduct study on funding sources available to farmers during agricultural emergency.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Katz

The bill lets the Secretary declare an agricultural emergency and requires a study to identify funding sources to help farmers during crises.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5102

Summary of Bill A-5102 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency. It also requires the Department of Agriculture to study potential funding sources available to farmers during an agricultural emergency.
  • The overarching goal is to improve the state's ability to respond to, and mitigate, disruptions that threaten agricultural production and farm viability, by enabling an official emergency declaration and by identifying financial support mechanisms.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization for agricultural emergency declaration:
    • Grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to declare an agricultural emergency when conditions threaten the agricultural sector (e.g., crop failures, pest outbreaks, extreme weather, or other events impacting farming operations).
    • The declaration is intended to trigger any emergency-related actions, resources, or supports applicable under existing or future state programs.
  • Department of Agriculture study on funding sources:
    • Requires the Department of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study identifying funding sources available to farmers during an agricultural emergency.
    • The study is expected to map potential financial assistance options, which may include state programs, federal programs, private sector resources, and mechanisms for rapid deployment of funds.
    • The outcome of the study should inform policy or program development to strengthen farmer resilience during emergencies.
  • Implementation and reporting:
    • While the bill text provided does not specify exact reporting timelines, the study component implies a requirement for findings or a report to be produced outlining funding options and recommendations.
    • It is anticipated that the department would detail how emergency declarations interact with funding access and any proposed changes to administrative processes.

Who and what would be affected

  • Farmers and agricultural operations in New Jersey:
    • Potentially eligible for emergency declarations that unlock protective measures and priority access to assistance during crises.
    • The study could influence future funding streams, help identify available aid, and propose streamlined pathways to financial relief.
  • Department of Agriculture and Secretary of Agriculture:
    • Responsible for issuing emergencies declarations and conducting the funding sources study.
    • May need to develop procedures for declaring emergencies and coordinating with other state agencies to deliver relief.
  • State agencies and partners:
    • The emergency framework could involve coordination with other state agencies, potentially federal partners, and private entities in the delivery of aid and resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced and referred to the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on May 18, 2026.
  • Sponsor:
    • Co-sponsored by Assemblymember Andrea Katz.
  • Next steps:
    • The committee will review the bill, hold hearings if scheduled, and decide whether to advance it to the full Assembly for consideration.
    • If enacted, regulations or implementing guidelines may be developed to operationalize the emergency declaration process and the study’s recommendations.

Notes

  • The bill as described focuses on empowering an official agricultural emergency declaration and assessing funding options to support farmers during crises.
  • Specifics such as threshold criteria for declaring an emergency, the scope of emergency powers, funding amounts, and timelines for the study are not provided in the summary available; these would be clarified in the bill text and any accompanying committee amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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