This bill directs the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to implement initiatives aimed at promoting community supported agriculture (CSA) throughout the state. It defines CSA as a direct sales method where consumers buy shares of a farm's output via a subscription service. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with developing a marketing program within 180 days of the bill's enactment, which includes creating a dedicated webpage listing CSA programs, utilizing various media for advertising, and producing promotional labels for CSA products. The bill also establishes an annual "Community Supported Agriculture Week" to encourage public engagement through events at farms, schools, and community organizations.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to enhance the promotion of New Jersey farm products, including the "Jersey Fresh" program, and emphasizes the significance of CSA. It establishes the "New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund" to support promotional efforts and outlines penalties for misrepresentation of agricultural products. The bill encourages schools to participate in CSA programs for sourcing fresh, locally grown products for school meals and mandates the existing Farm to School website to facilitate subscription agreements and promotional events related to CSA Week. The Secretary of Agriculture is also authorized to solicit funds for CSA promotion, which will be deposited into the New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund, now expanded to cover CSA-related expenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:10-16, 4:10-17, 4:10-19.2, 4:10-25.2