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Bill

A 158

Directs Dept. of Agriculture to develop and implement beginning farmer mentoring program in cooperation with certain agricultural and educational organizations and entities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture must create a statewide beginning farmer mentoring program pairing experienced farmers with newcomers to support new farming operations and s

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
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Bill Summary · A 158

NJ Bill A-158 (Session 222) — Directs Department of Agriculture to Develop and Implement Beginning Farmer Mentoring Program

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to support the agricultural sector in New Jersey by addressing the aging farmer population and improving succession prospects. It recognizes that the average age of the principal operator on New Jersey farms has risen (57 in 2007 to 59 in 2012), and nationwide trends show similar increases.
  • The core goal is to create a structured beginning farmer mentoring program in which experienced farmers provide guidance and assistance to beginning farmers, thereby improving the likelihood of new farmers succeeding and sustaining the State’s agricultural base.

Key provisions and changes

Establishment and administration

  • The Department of Agriculture (DOA) must develop and implement a beginning farmer mentoring program.
  • The program must be developed in consultation and cooperation with:
    • State Agriculture Development Committee
    • New Jersey Farm Bureau
    • County boards of agriculture
    • Rutgers, the State University
    • New Jersey Agricultural Society
    • Other appropriate agricultural, horticultural, or educational entities in the State
  • The DOA will define the program structure, including roles for participating organizations and entities.

Program design and operation

  • The DOA must:
    • Incorporate online linking services and resources already established by the department into the mentoring program.
    • Develop additional avenues for mentoring, including establishing criteria for:
    • Eligibility of mentors (experienced farmers)
    • Eligibility of mentees (beginning farmers)
  • The DOA may partner with public or private organizations to operate the program, either in whole or in part, under the department’s supervision.
  • The DOA is authorized to enter into agreements or contracts with external organizations to support the program’s operation.

Rules and implementation

  • The DOA shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the act, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).

Effective date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Beginning farmers (mentees) who would receive guidance and support.
  • Primary: Experienced farmers (mentors) who would provide mentorship and guidance.
  • Administrative: Department of Agriculture and collaborating state and educational organizations (e.g., Rutgers, NJ Farm Bureau, County Boards of Agriculture, NJ Agricultural Society) that will participate in planning, governance, and operation.
  • Potentially: Public and private partner organizations that may enter into contracts or agreements to operate the program.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
  • No specific timeline or milestones are detailed in the bill text; it requires the DOA to develop and implement the program and to adopt necessary regulations under the APA. Given the “immediately” effective date, the act becomes law upon enactment, and implementation would proceed per the DOA’s regulatory and administrative schedule.

Summary in plain terms

Bill A-158 requires New Jersey’s Department of Agriculture to create a statewide beginning farmer mentoring program. In cooperation with key agricultural and educational groups, the program would pair or connect experienced farmers with beginning farmers, offering guidance, advice, and other assistance to support the establishment and growth of new farming operations. The DOA would define eligibility, integrate existing online resources, potentially partner with external organizations, and adopt regulations to implement the program. The objective is to counter aging farmer demographics and sustain New Jersey’s agricultural sector.

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

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