No. 21
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
219th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2020 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman VINCENT MAZZEO
District 2 (Atlantic)
Assemblyman JOHN ARMATO
District 2 (Atlantic)
Assemblyman PARKER SPACE
District 24 (Morris, Sussex and Warren)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywomen Dunn, McKnight, Assemblyman Wirths, Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle, Assemblymen Houghtaling, Tully and Assemblywoman Swain
SYNOPSIS
Designates months of June through September of each year as “Jersey Fresh Season.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Assembly Agriculture Committee with technical review.
A Joint Resolution designating the months of June through September of each year as “Jersey Fresh Season.”
Whereas, Agriculture has been a key part of New Jersey’s economy since the earliest Native American settlements, laying the foundation for what would become the United States; and
Whereas, Although New Jersey is one of the smallest states in the nation by land mass and is the most densely populated state, it is also among the national leaders in the production of certain crops, ranking among the top 10 states in the production of cranberries, bell peppers, spinach, peaches, blueberries, cucumbers, sweet corn, squash, tomatoes, snap beans, and cabbage; and
Whereas, In order to foster growth, development, regulation, and refinement of agricultural enterprises, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) was established in 1916; and
Whereas, In 1984, the NJDA created the first in the nation state-sponsored agricultural branding program, Jersey Fresh, in order to distinguish the high quality of New Jersey produced fruits and vegetables from others in the marketplace; and
Whereas, The logo, Jersey Fresh, indicates that the contents have been inspected and meet standards equal to, or better than, U.S. No. 1 standards; and
Whereas, Jersey Fresh produce is distinctive in the quality and freshness because it is grown in New Jersey and harvested at its peak ripened stage; and
Whereas, When produce is picked at its peak of flavor and freshness, more of the very important vitamins and minerals in each type of produce are retained within the commodity; and
Whereas, Fresh fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet and can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar; and
Whereas, The NJDA has continually worked to bring Jersey Fresh to all who want it, by working with restaurants, schools, colleges, big box stores, local communities, hotels, hospitals, and more; and
Whereas, “Jersey Fresh Farm to School Week” was established by law to highlight and promote the value and importance of New Jersey agriculture and fresh foods produced in New Jersey, and the value and importance of fresh farm foods for children, their general health, and their success in school; and
Whereas, The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, for the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority, for the Atlantic City Expressway, are encouraged by law to provide for and sell agricultural products labeled Jersey Fresh and other agricultural or horticultural products grown and raised in the State at service areas along these toll roads; and
Whereas, It is important to further promote the consumption of Jersey Fresh produce for the health of children and adults in this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The months of June through September of each year are designated as “Jersey Fresh Season” to increase public awareness of the importance of Jersey Fresh produce for the health of all citizens of this State.
2. At the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, certain crops or other agricultural products may be specifically recognized each month during “Jersey Fresh Season.”
3. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of the State to observe “Jersey Fresh Season” with appropriate activities and programs.
4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.