The resolution urges Congress to allow the sale of fruits and other agricultural products from Puerto Rico on the United States mainland. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service imposes strict restrictions on the movement of many agricultural products from Puerto Rico, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and pork, due to concerns about invasive pests and diseases. These restrictions not only complicate the transportation of goods but also impose significant costs on Puerto Rican producers, who must navigate federal regulations and the requirements of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which mandates the use of U.S.-built and registered ships for inter-port shipping.

The resolution highlights the impact of recent natural disasters on Puerto Rico's agricultural capacity, which has led to increased imports and higher expenditures for the island. By allowing Puerto Rican agricultural products to be sold on the mainland, the resolution argues that it could aid in the island's economic recovery while still ensuring necessary agricultural protections are in place. The General Assembly of New Jersey plans to send copies of this resolution to relevant congressional leaders to advocate for this change.