Bill > A4796

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a five member Cheese Promotion Council in the Department of Agriculture. The council's purpose is to advertise locally produced cheeses and develop recommendations to develop, promote, and support collaboration throughout the dairy and cheese production chains. The bill assigns several responsibilities to the council, including: (1) serving as an information and advisory resource for data and information on local cheeses; (2) reviewing State laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, and initiatives that may affect dairy farmers and cheese producers; (3) coordinating the receipt and distribution of grants to small businesses to encourage local cheese production; (4) drafting a report on economic conditions of the cheese and dairy industry; and (5) organizing a State convention to promote cheese. Finally, the bill requires the council to report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the activities of the Council and its findings and recommendations regarding the coordination and effectiveness of the State cheese industry. The dairy industry in New Jersey contributes $22 million to the economy annually, producing 120 million pounds of milk. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Census, 69 farms across New Jersey distributed, stored, or sold milk or cheese products in 2017. New Jersey's farms are the fourth-smallest in the United States, averaging 76 acres. These farms may produce cheese made from a variety of livestock - including goats, sheep, buffalo, yak, and cows. A labor-intensive process, cheese making requires 10 pounds of milk in order to yield only one pound of cheese.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 09/19/2024)

Official Document