Bill

Bill > A3407


NJ A3407

NJ A3407
Directs Department of Agriculture to establish "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program."


summary

Introduced
02/01/2024
In Committee
02/01/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill directs the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to establish, in consultation with the Department of Health, the "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program" for farmers to contract with food banks for the timely distribution of produce and other agricultural food products. The program would operate for three years after the bill is enacted into law, terminating 90 days after the submission of the report to the Governor and Legislature required under the bill, except that the bill provides that farmers and food banks would continue to honor the terms and conditions of any contract in effect after the termination date until the conclusion of the contract. The bill authorizes the DOA, within the limits of appropriations for the program, to provide a farmer with a grant to cover all or part of the farmer's production costs, up to a reasonable market price for the produce or agricultural food product, as determined by the DOA. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to request annually, as part of the DOA's budget proposal, an appropriation as may be necessary to fund the program and provide grants to farmers under the program.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to establish the "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program" in consultation with the Department of Health. The program, which will operate for three years, allows farmers to contract with food banks for the timely distribution of produce and other agricultural food products. The DOA can provide grants to farmers to cover all or part of their production costs, up to a reasonable market price, and must request annual funding for the program in its budget proposal. The DOA, in consultation with the Department of Health, will also provide information to farmers and food banks on relevant rules, regulations, and health/safety guidelines. After three years, the DOA must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature evaluating the program's implementation and providing recommendations for continuing or revising it.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 02/01/2024)

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