This bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for a period of up to six months, allowing the secretary to establish specific criteria for such declarations and to limit their applicability to certain areas of the state. Following the declaration, the Department of Agriculture is required to announce the emergency on its website within 24 hours, providing details on the reason for the declaration and offering tailored information, recommendations, and resources to assist farmers in mitigating harm to crops and livestock.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture conduct a study within six months of the bill's effective date to identify available funding sources—both state, federal, and private—that can help farmers during an agricultural emergency. A report detailing the findings, including a list of funding sources and application procedures, must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience and viability of New Jersey's agriculture industry in the face of unforeseen challenges.