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Bill > S1895


NJ S1895

NJ S1895
Directs Department of Agriculture to establish "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program."


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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 create a three-year "Farm to Food Bank Pilot Program" in collaboration with the Department of Health, designed to connect farmers with food banks for the efficient distribution of fresh produce and other agricultural products. Under this program, farmers can enter into contracts with food banks, and the DOA is authorized to provide grants to farmers to help cover their production costs, up to the reasonable market value of the goods, as determined by the DOA. The program will conclude 90 days after the DOA submits a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing its implementation, successes, failures, and recommendations, though any existing contracts will remain in effect until their completion. The Secretary of Agriculture is also required to request annual funding for the program as part of the DOA's budget proposal.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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