Bill > A3220

This bill aims to promote and protect agriculture in New Jersey by making several changes. It expands the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to solicit and receive funds for promoting New Jersey farm products, specifically mentioning the "Jersey Fresh" program, and allows for contributions from interested parties. The bill also exempts charges for storing or maintaining horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, or hinnies in stables or similar facilities from sales and use tax, and allows for refunds of taxes previously paid on these services since October 1, 2006. Additionally, it introduces tax credits for eligible employers in farming operations who pay their employees the State minimum wage, which is the minimum wage established by the New Jersey Constitution, when it exceeds the federal minimum wage, and prohibits harassment of farmers engaged in their work, with penalties for violations. Finally, it appropriates $1,000,000 to Rutgers University for agricultural research and extension work.