Bill
Bill > A4030
NJ A4030
NJ A4030Establishes grant program for reimbursement of tuition and fees for certain qualifying courses taken by farmers; appropriates $100,000.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to administer a grant program to reimburse a farmer who is an eligible student for a percentage reimbursement for registration in a qualifying course at an eligible institution, and to establish procedures to implement the program. The bill provides that an eligible student with 10 or more years of experience in the farming industry registering for a qualifying course would be entitled to a 10 percent reimbursement of the tuition and fees for one qualifying course, a 20 percent reimbursement for a second qualifying course, a 30 percent reimbursement for a third or any additional qualifying course. Farmers with less than 10 years of experience in the industry are to receive a five percent larger reimbursement of tuition and registration fees, with an eligible student farmer receiving a 15 percent reimbursement, 25 percent reimbursement, and 35 percent reimbursement for each successive credit. The bill specifies that the qualifying courses need not be taken simultaneously for an eligible student farmer to qualify for the reimbursement. The department may require proof of the student farmer's eligibility and the dates on which the eligible student farmer registered for and satisfactorily completed a qualifying course in order for the eligible student to receive the applicable reimbursement. The bill makes an appropriation from the General Fund in the amount of $100,000 for the grant program and requires the Department of Agriculture to request, as part of its annual budget request to the Legislature amounts sufficient to continue to fund the grant program. This tuition reimbursement program would help farmers strengthen their business skills and embodies the spirit of the Next Generation Farmers Report. The 2025 Next Generation Farmers Report, prepared by the State Agricultural Development Committee in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, is intended to help beginning and next generation farmers from all backgrounds establish and initiate agricultural operations. The report addresses the challenges faced by new and beginning farmers in New Jersey, with the goal of filling gaps in programming and enhancing support for the agricultural industry.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture to reimburse farmers for a portion of tuition and fees for qualifying courses that enhance their farming operations or business knowledge. An "eligible student" is defined as a farmer who owns or operates a farm with at least $2,500 in annual gross sales of agricultural or horticultural products and enrolls in an "eligible institution," which is a licensed and accredited higher education institution in the state offering approved courses. Farmers with 10 or more years of experience will receive a 10% reimbursement for their first qualifying course, 20% for a second, and 30% for a third or subsequent course. "New and beginning farmers," defined as those with less than 10 years of farming experience, will receive a higher reimbursement rate: 15% for their first course, 25% for a second, and 35% for a third or subsequent course. These courses do not need to be taken simultaneously, and the department may require proof of eligibility and completion. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to fund this program and requires the Department of Agriculture to request sufficient funds in future budget requests to continue its operation, aligning with the goals of the Next Generation Farmers Report to support new and existing farmers.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (on 02/12/2026)
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/A4030 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4030_I1.HTM |
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