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 New Jersey. The appropriation is structured to provide targeted financial assistance for critical projects and educational initiatives that enhance farm viability and community engagement within the agricultural sector.

The $2 million will be distributed across several specific programs, including $750,000 for mini-grants aimed at on-farm infrastructure projects, $350,000 for an equipment lending program, and $300,000 for value-added processing education. Additional allocations include $300,000 for a bulk supplies purchasing program, $150,000 for technical support to farmers, $100,000 for grant writing assistance, and $50,000 to support Hispanic farming communities. This funding is designed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the food system and to address the unique needs of diverse farming communities in New Jersey.