This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey 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 fluctuating funding levels 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 money, allowing farmers and organizations to access more resources. This reallocation of funds is designed to benefit both the Jersey Fresh program and the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant awards, ultimately supporting New Jersey's farmers more effectively. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.