The resolution honors the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program, which was established in 1984 by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture as the first state-sponsored agricultural commodity marketing and quality grading program in the nation. This program plays a vital role in promoting New Jersey's agricultural industry, enhancing food accessibility for residents, and supporting family-owned farms through marketing campaigns that highlight locally grown produce. The Jersey Fresh label allows consumers to easily identify high-quality, locally harvested fruits and vegetables, which must meet strict grading standards to ensure freshness and quality.

Over the years, the Jersey Fresh program has significantly increased consumer awareness and willingness to purchase locally sourced produce, extending its recognition beyond New Jersey to the mid-Atlantic and New England markets. The program has inspired similar initiatives, such as the Made with Jersey Fresh program and the Jersey Grown program, further promoting New Jersey's diverse agricultural offerings. The resolution acknowledges the program's success in fostering a strong agricultural economy, reducing municipal taxes, and generating revenue for the state, while also serving as a national model for agricultural branding programs.