TRENTON – The Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Linda Greenstein which would require the promotion and advertisement of aquaculture products that are produced in the state as part of the Jersey Fresh program.
“New Jersey has a vibrant and growing aquaculture industry which deserves just as much support as our other food production industries,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), Chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. “This bill will ensure that they are a part of our state’s efforts to promote other locally grown and harvested products and in doing so help to ensure the industry can continue to thrive, create jobs, and feed New Jerseyans.”
The bill, S-216, would require the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement, as a part of the already existing Jersey Fresh program, a program to advertise and promote aquaculture products produced in the state, such as fish and shellfish.
“Aquaculture is a part of New Jersey’s heritage, and I am glad that over the past two decades the industry has been revitalized and is once again thriving,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer). “By promoting aquaculture as part of our Jersey Fresh program, we can better support the industry’s growth and make sure New Jerseyans are aware of their local foods.”
Additionally, the legislation would provide an annual appropriation of $100,000 to effectuate the advertisement and promotion of New Jersey’s aquaculture projects. This appropriation would be in addition to any other funds appropriated or allocated to the Jersey Fresh program.