This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture to reimburse eligible farmers for tuition and fees associated with qualifying courses at accredited institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The program is designed to support both experienced farmers and new or beginning farmers, with reimbursement percentages varying based on the farmer's experience. Specifically, farmers with 10 or more years of experience can receive a reimbursement of 10% for the first qualifying course, 20% for the second, and 30% for any additional courses. In contrast, new and beginning farmers are eligible for a 15% reimbursement for the first course, 25% for the second, and 35% for subsequent courses. The bill also outlines the procedures for application and reimbursement, including the requirement for proof of eligibility and course completion.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to fund this grant program and mandates that the Department of Agriculture include sufficient funding requests in its annual budget proposals. The initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of farmers, thereby addressing the challenges faced by new and beginning farmers in New Jersey, as highlighted in the 2025 Next Generation Farmers Report. This report emphasizes the importance of supporting the agricultural industry and filling programming gaps to assist farmers from diverse backgrounds in establishing and managing their agricultural operations.