The Processing Establishment Fast Track Act aims to streamline the permitting process for qualifying meat and poultry processing establishments in New Jersey by establishing an expedited, interagency review program within the Department of Agriculture. This program will facilitate the efficient processing of permit applications by coordinating efforts among various state and local agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection. Key provisions include a requirement for agencies to conduct completeness checks and preliminary reviews within 15 days of receiving a permit application, and to make final decisions within 60 days. Additionally, the act recognizes engineered composting of slaughter byproducts as an approved nutrient management method for compliant facilities.

To support this initiative, the act also establishes a one-year pre-permitting technical assistance pilot program, administered by Warren County Community College and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. This program will provide resources such as site readiness assessments and application completeness reviews to qualifying establishments. The pilot program will not have the authority to approve or deny permits but will report any significant permitting delays or failures to the Governor and Legislature. A comprehensive report assessing the pilot program's success will be submitted within six months of its completion, and there is a provision for potentially converting the pilot into a permanent program with legislative consent. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with adopting necessary rules and regulations to implement the act.