This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $2 million from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, specifically allocated to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ). The funding is intended to support various programs that benefit organic, regenerative, beginning, and underserved farmers in the state. The appropriation includes specific allocations for critical on-farm infrastructure projects, an on-farm processing and equipment lending program, value-added processing education, a bulk supplies purchasing program, technical support for farmers, grant writing assistance, and support for Hispanic farming communities.

The bill outlines the distribution of the $2 million as follows: $750,000 for mini-grants for infrastructure projects, $350,000 for the lending program, $300,000 for education and technical assistance, $300,000 for bulk purchasing, $150,000 for technical support, $100,000 for grant writing education, and $50,000 for Hispanic community support. This funding aims to enhance collaboration and engagement among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, ultimately strengthening the food system in New Jersey. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.