This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to include aquaculture products in its Jersey Fresh Program, which currently promotes state-grown fruits and vegetables. The Department is required to develop a specific quality grading system for aquaculture products, such as fish and shellfish produced through aquaculture methods, ensuring that these products meet established quality standards. This new grading system will be distinct from that used for wild-caught seafood, aligning with the existing grading protocols for other agricultural commodities.

To support this initiative, the bill establishes an annual appropriation of $25,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the promotion and advertisement of aquaculture products under the Jersey Fresh Program. This funding is in addition to any other resources allocated to the program, ensuring that the marketing efforts for aquaculture products are adequately supported. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.