Bill > A4708

Introduced Session

This bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture, with the approval of the State Board of Agriculture, to designate a current employee of the department as "Farm Liaison." The liaison would encourage farmer participation in State agriculture programs, including taxation programs, food donations, anti-hunger initiatives, and any other program that the liaison deems relevant to an individual farmer. The liaison would also serve as a coordinator between farmers and organizations engaged in gleaning activities, i.e., the harvesting of crops that would otherwise go unharvested. Farmers frequently do not have the time or resources necessary to learn about every program offered by the department. The designation of a liaison is intended to provide outreach to farmers directly to increase participation in State programs that may aid farmers. The designation of a liaison would also build relationships between the agricultural community and organizations engaged in gleaning activities and anti-hunger initiatives. The participation of the agricultural community is essential to the success of anti-hunger initiatives, and a liaison would be beneficial for promoting awareness, and increasing participation in Sate programs.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Bob Andrzejczak (D)*,  Vin Gopal (D)*,  Eric Houghtaling (D)*,  Tom Kean (R)*,  Parker Space (R)*,  Dawn Addiego (D),  John Armato (D),  Craig Coughlin (D),  Sandra Cunningham (D),  Wayne DeAngelo (D),  Fred Madden (D),  Carol Murphy (D),  Teresa Ruiz (D),  Anthony Verrelli (D),  Harold Wirths (R), 

Approved P.L.2019, c.94. (on 05/09/2019)