This bill directs the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to allocate Jersey Fresh funding specifically for the promotion of New Jersey-produced liquors, beers, and wines. It establishes a designated funding source of $100,000 annually from the General Fund to support the advertisement and promotion of these alcoholic products, which are made from agricultural commodities cultivated within the state. The bill aims to enhance the existing Jersey Fresh Program, which currently markets various agricultural products, by officially including alcoholic beverages crafted in New Jersey.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement a quality grading and rating system for liquor, beer, and wine products that aligns with the existing quality grading systems used for other agricultural commodities under the Jersey Fresh Program. This initiative is intended to ensure that the quality of these alcoholic products meets the standards set by the department, thereby promoting New Jersey's local alcoholic beverage industry while supporting the state's agricultural sector.