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Bill > S522
NJ S522
NJ S522Directs Department of Agriculture to establish Jersey Fresh sales pilot program; appropriates $500,000.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish three-year pilot program to create at least three locations in the State that sell exclusively Jersey Fresh products. The bill appropriates $500,000 for this purpose. Under the bill, the department would publish a request for proposals for prospective proprietors of the Jersey Fresh venues, which may be freestanding stores, kiosks, counters, or vending machines. The bill directs the department to place the venues at highly trafficked State facilities such as tollway service areas, rail stations, State Parks, airports, museums, and event centers, or at other locations at the discretion of the department. The bill requires that Jersey Fresh venues sell only products that have been approved for participation in the Jersey Fresh Program. This includes "Jersey Fresh" for fruits and vegetables, "Jersey Seafood" for aquacultured and wild-caught fish and shellfish, and "Made with Jersey Fresh" for processed food made with State-sourced agricultural products.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a three-year pilot program to create at least three locations, called "Jersey Fresh venues," that exclusively sell products approved by the "Jersey Fresh Program." These venues, which can be stores, kiosks, counters, or vending machines, will be established in highly trafficked State facilities like tollway service areas, rail stations, State Parks, airports, museums, and event centers, or other suitable locations. The program aims to promote New Jersey's agricultural products, including "Jersey Fresh" for fruits and vegetables, "Jersey Seafood" for fish and shellfish, and "Made with Jersey Fresh" for processed foods made with local ingredients. Proprietors of these venues must be able to consistently supply reasonably priced products, accept various payment methods, and donate any surplus produce to food banks. The bill appropriates $500,000 to fund this initiative, and the department will report to the Legislature on the program's progress and benefits within two years.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S522 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/522_I1.HTM |
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