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AR 192

Urges Department of Agriculture to promote production of grapes and use of locally produced fruits for use in wines made in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales

Non-binding AR 192 urges the NJ Department of Agriculture to boost local grape production and expand use of New Jersey-grown fruits in state wines.

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · AR 192

Summary of Assembly Resolution No. 192 (AR 192)

Overview

  • Bill type: Assembly resolution (non-binding)
  • Title: Urges Department of Agriculture to promote production of grapes and use of locally produced fruits for use in wines made in New Jersey
  • Introduced: May 22, 2025
  • Status: Reported out of Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (2nd Reading) as of June 12, 2025
  • Subject: Agriculture, Alcoholic Beverages

Purpose and Intent

AR 192 expresses the General Assembly’s formal urging that the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDOA) take additional steps to:
- Increase statewide grape production
- Promote the use of locally grown fruits in the vinification of New Jersey wines

The resolution emphasizes supporting the state’s wine and grape industry to meet rising demand, sustain local agriculture, and expand the value-added benefits of wine production.

Key Provisions

  • Operative request: The NJDOA is urged to assist the New Jersey wine and grape industry in increasing local grape production and in promoting the use of locally produced fruits in wines produced in New Jersey.
  • Communication requirement: Copies of the resolution, once filed with the Secretary of State, are to be transmitted to the Secretary of Agriculture.
  • Policy focus areas (as stated in the preamble): Encouraging research to increase grape production, expanding the content of New Jersey wines with locally grown inputs, and supporting the industry’s ongoing promotion and growth efforts.

Context and Background

  • New Jersey’s wine industry features:
    • Approximately 60 wineries across four American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Cape May Peninsula, Warren Hills, Central Delaware Valley, and Outer Coastal Plain.
    • Annual revenue of over $30 million.
    • Contributions to agricultural diversification and agro-tourism; production of award-winning wines.
  • Existing state infrastructure supporting the industry includes:
    • NJDOA-administered wine promotion and research fund, financed by per-gallon assessments.
    • New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council, which funds educational materials, publicity programs, festivals, and varietal/production-oriented research.
    • “Secretary Select” initiative to celebrate state wines.
  • Industry challenges prompting the resolution:
    • Grape production growth lags behind rising wine demand.
    • Pest, disease, and weather risks; need for flexibility in crops used for winemaking.

Potential Impact

  • As a non-binding resolution, AR 192 does not create new law or authorize new spending. Instead, it signals legislative support and directs attention to the NJDOA’s ongoing efforts, potentially shaping agency priorities, research funding, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.
  • Could influence future policy discussions or budget decisions aimed at increasing local grape production and the use of locally sourced fruits in New Jersey wines.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: New Jersey Department of Agriculture
  • Secondary: New Jersey wine/grape producers, input farmers, and related industry organizations (e.g., NJ Wine Industry Advisory Council)
  • Beneficiaries: Consumers and the agricultural sector via expanded local content and agro-tourism opportunities

Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: May 22, 2025
  • Committee action: Reported out of Committee, 2nd Reading on June 12, 2025

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

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