This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the Jersey Fresh marketing and promotion activities for the fiscal year 2024. The Jersey Fresh program, which began in 1984, aims to promote locally grown produce and has seen its funding fluctuate over the years. Previously, the program received $100,000 under the fiscal year 2024 appropriations act, but this bill seeks to significantly increase that funding to enhance marketing efforts as the program approaches its 40th anniversary.

Additionally, the bill aims to replace the reliance on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crops Block Grant for the Jersey Fresh program. By increasing the state funding, the bill intends to free up federal grant funds, allowing for greater financial support to farmers and organizations through the USDA program. This reallocation is designed to ensure that both the Jersey Fresh program and the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant can effectively support New Jersey's farmers.