This bill establishes the Artisanal Food Council within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, consisting of nine public members appointed by various state officials. The council's primary purpose is to identify the needs and priorities of the artisanal food industry, promote local farming economies, and support local farmers. The council will include representatives from the farming industry, artisanal food distributors, and producers, ensuring a diverse perspective that includes members from urban, suburban, and rural areas. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, and they will be appointed for staggered terms of one to three years.

The council is tasked with several responsibilities, including serving as an advisory resource on local artisanal food, reviewing relevant state laws and programs, coordinating grant distribution to support artisanal food production, and drafting a biannual report on the economic conditions of the industry. Additionally, the council will organize an annual public forum to promote local artisanal food products and increase public awareness. The bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the farming and artisanal food sectors and mandates that the council report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature biannually.