This bill establishes an agricultural apprenticeship program within the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) aimed at mentoring and supporting the next generation of farmers. The program consists of two stages: Stage One, which leads to a pre-apprenticeship credential, and Stage Two, culminating in an apprenticeship credential. Participants in Stage One must complete 225 hours of on-the-job training and 25 hours of technical instruction, while Stage Two participants are required to complete 2,700 hours of training over 18 months and 210 hours of technical instruction. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for participants, including age and prior farming experience, and mandates that the DOLWD publish requirements for training and instruction on its website.

Additionally, the bill specifies the application process for both participants and organizations or established farmers wishing to host apprentices. It requires applicants to submit documentation proving their eligibility and a personal statement about their interest in farming. The DOLWD will match accepted participants with appropriate hosts based on availability. The bill also mandates that the department request sufficient funding in its annual budget to support the program's operations. This initiative responds to the findings of a report by the State Agriculture Development Committee, which highlighted the need for support and training for new farmers to ensure the sustainability of New Jersey's agricultural industry.