This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, specifically aimed at enhancing the Jersey Fresh marketing and promotion activities. The Jersey Fresh program, which has been in operation since 1984, is designed to promote locally grown produce and has seen its funding fluctuate over the years. Currently, the program is allocated $100,000 under the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act, but this bill seeks to significantly increase that funding to support the program as it approaches its 40th anniversary.

The intent behind this appropriation is to replace the reliance on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crops Block Grant for the Jersey Fresh program. By increasing state funding, the bill aims to free up federal grant funds, allowing farmers and organizations to access more resources from the USDA program. This strategic reallocation is designed to ensure that both the Jersey Fresh program and the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant can effectively support New Jersey's farmers.