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ACR 138

Honors 40th anniversary of Jersey Fresh program.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 15 co-sponsors

A ceremonial resolution honoring Jersey Fresh's 40th anniversary, recognizing its role in branding local NJ produce and supporting family farms, with no new mandates or funding.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · ACR 138

Summary: Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 138 (ACR 138)

A concurrent resolution honoring the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program, the first state-sponsored agricultural marketing and quality grading program in the United States, and recognizing its impact on New Jersey agriculture, consumers, and related branding initiatives.

Purpose and Intent

  • ACR 138 commemorates the 40-year milestone of Jersey Fresh (established by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture in 1984).
  • Recognizes Jersey Fresh as a pioneering state marketing and quality-grading program that promotes New Jersey agriculture, supports family-owned farms, and helps consumers identify locally grown produce.
  • Highlights Jersey Fresh as a national model for state-sponsored agricultural branding programs and notes its influence on related initiatives (Made with Jersey Fresh, Jersey Grown, Jersey Raised, Jersey Seafood).

Key Provisions

  • Declaratory and ceremonial: The Legislature honors the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program.
  • Courtesy directing transmission: Requires copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Secretary of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the President of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture.
  • No new mandates or funding: The resolution is non-binding and does not create new program requirements or budgetary obligations.

Background and Context

  • Jersey Fresh program goals:
    • Identify locally grown produce with a distinct Jersey Fresh label to help consumers differentiate New Jersey produce from non-local products.
    • Implement a quality grading standard requiring Jersey Fresh produce to meet U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing grade or better, ensuring freshness, inspection, and high quality.
    • Support marketing campaigns that inform shoppers about what produce is in season and encourage local shopping.
  • Impact and reach:
    • Contributed to increased consumer awareness and willingness to purchase locally harvested produce.
    • Recognition extended beyond New Jersey into the Mid-Atlantic and New England markets; by 2020, Jersey Fresh recognition was on par with major national brands.
    • The program operates across all 21 counties with presence at more than 2,000 On-Farm Markets, community farmers markets, major retailers, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
    • Inspired related programs such as Made with Jersey Fresh, Jersey Grown, Jersey Raised, and Jersey Seafood.

Affected Parties

  • Members of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture.
  • Jersey Fresh-certified producers, especially family-owned farms.
  • New Jersey consumers who benefit from locally sourced, high-quality produce.
  • Broader agricultural branding initiatives modeled on Jersey Fresh.

Procedural/Timeline Information

  • Introduced: June 6, 2024 (Assembly)
  • Committee action: June 2024 – referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee; October 24, 2024 – reported out of committee, 2nd Reading.
  • Assembly action: December 19, 2024 – Passed Assembly by a vote of 72-0-0.
  • Senate action: January 14, 2025 – Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
  • Related measure: SCR 109 (companion bill).

Legislative Status

  • Bill Type: Concurrent resolution (non-binding)
  • Purpose: Formal recognition and celebration of the Jersey Fresh program’s 40-year anniversary.
  • Current status: Referenced to Senate Environment and Energy Committee; awaiting consideration by the Senate.

Notes

  • The bill does not alter statutory requirements, funding, or program mandates; its primary function is ceremonial acknowledgment by the Legislature.

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

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