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A 3108

Requires Department of Agriculture to take various actions to publicize and promote community supported agriculture in New Jersey.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 8 co-sponsors

The bill establishes a statewide CSA promotion program, supports labeling and funding, and integrates farm-to-school efforts to boost local CSA access and awareness in New Jersey.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3108

Bill A-3108 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Objective

This bill would require the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) to actively publicize, promote, and integrate Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) within the state’s agricultural and educational ecosystems. It also expands funding and labeling tools to support CSA promotion and school-based farm-to-school initiatives.

Key Definitions

  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): On-farm direct sales model where consumers subscribe and receive regular shares of a farm’s seasonal output.
  • CSA Program: A farm product retail program through which consumers pay a seasonal/annual subscription for ongoing weekly shares.
  • Department: New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
  • Secretary: Secretary of Agriculture.

Main Provisions

1) Publicity and Marketing Program (within 180 days)

The Secretary must design and implement a statewide CSA publicity/marketing program that includes:
- A dedicated, regularly updated NJDA webpage listing all CSA programs in the state, with searchable farms and links for subscribers.
- Broad marketing efforts (print, TV, radio, signage, Internet, social media) to publicize CSA availability, benefits, farm locations, and the CSA website.
- Development of distinct promotional/marketing labels for CSA products, potentially incorporating state marks (e.g., New Jersey map symbol, Jersey Fresh, Premium Jersey Fresh, Made with Jersey Fresh). Farms may also use their own labels after consulting with NJDA.

2) Community Supported Agriculture Week

  • In cooperation with the Department of Education, the NJ Farm to School Network, schools (and other groups), establish and observe an annual “Community Supported Agriculture Week.”
  • The week highlights CSA’s benefits for farm viability and consumer access to fresh, local foods, and strengthens community-farmer connections.
  • Observed during the last full week of February statewide, with events at farms, farmers’ markets, schools, grocery stores, community groups, churches, etc.

3) Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund and Labeling Provisions (N.J. Farm Products Publicity Fund)

  • The Secretary may solicit funds from contributions or the sale of labels to promote NJ farm products, Jersey Fresh, and CSA promotion.
  • Created funds: a New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund to be maintained by NJDA, with money deposited in interest-bearing accounts and potentially invested. Interest and appropriations are dedicated to promoting NJ farm products, the Jersey Fresh program, and CSA awareness.
  • Rules on fund administration, with accountability and audit provisions.

4) Advertising and Compliance

  • The bill adds enforcement provisions related to labeling claims, specifically prohibiting implying New Jersey origin or CSA marketing unless accurate.
  • Penalties: $100 per violation, enforceable under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999, with violations treated as separate per item.
  • The Secretary, with the Consumer Affairs Division, can seek injunctions and issue citations for violations.

5) Farm to School and Education Integration (Interconnected Provisions)

  • Expands NJDA’s role in developing a New Jersey Farm to School Program and an Agricultural Literacy Program, including:
    • Encouraging schools to participate in CSA by integrating local procurement into meal programs.
    • Establishing a bidding matrix to favor local products and CSA subscriptions.
    • Incorporating CSA and local agriculture concepts into school curricula and Agricultural Literacy Week activities.
    • A training program for “Farm to School” themes.
    • A NJ Farm to School website to facilitate product networks, CSA subscriptions, and access to contracts, with a linkage to Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week and CSA Week events.
    • Posting example school contracts and subscription agreements publicly.

6) Website Clearinghouse for School Access to Farm Products

  • A separate NJDA site (clearinghouse) will help connect schools, districts, and food banks with produce/dairy suppliers and CSA opportunities, organized by county.

Implementation and Timing

  • Effective date: Immediate.
  • Several components require rulemaking and ongoing collaboration with the Department of Education and educational partners.
  • The act directs annual observance and ongoing promotion rather than a one-time program.

Potential Impact

  • Increased visibility and participation in CSA programs across New Jersey.
  • Stronger linkages between farms, schools, and community organizations.
  • Expanded state funding and branding opportunities to support CSA and local food systems.
  • Clearer labeling standards to protect truth-in-advertising for NJ-origin and CSA products.

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

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