OCEAN — As today marks Farmers Against Hunger Day in New Jersey, Democratic State Senator Vin Gopal, Democratic Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, and Assemblywoman Joann Downey are highlighting their record of success advocating for New Jersey’s farmers and agricultural industry.

“Eric, Joann, and Vin’s assistance has helped us take the right direction time after time in navigating New Jersey’s agricultural policy, including the state’s new bee regulations and their benefit to beekeepers,” said Anna Trapani of A. Trapani Farms. “Because of their support, we have directed other farmers to their office as well.”

“Through Assemblyman Houghtaling’s leadership as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee in the State House, we are proud to continue to stand with our state’s agricultural community,” said Democrats Vin Gopal, Eric Houghtaling, and Joann Downey. “With the realization that the agricultural industry is the third-largest revenue generator in the state, we will continue to focus on addressing agricultural issues big and small and ensure that the Garden State is worthy of its moniker through investment in farmland and historic preservation.”

Below are some of the Gopal, Houghtaling, and Downey team’s top accomplishments on agricultural policy:

— Sponsored legislation allocating $3.7 million dollars to support preservation and expansion of open space farmland, and an additional $11.5 million for grants for municipalities to preserve farmland.

— Sponsored legislation enabling individuals to make voluntary contributions to the Jersey Fresh Program which increases the revenue to our local farmers.

— Sponsored and passed legislation to encourage eating locally by dining at farm to table restaurants and supporting local farmers.

— Sponsored and passed legislation to continue further research on the cultivation of industrial hemp.

— Sponsored and passed legislation to encourage buying locally, through the creation of an annual “Buy Local Week.”

— Sponsored legislation strengthening right to farm protections by expanding permissible activity under the Right to Farm Act, and protecting farmers from frivolous lawsuits.

Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, and Assemblywoman Joann Downey are running for re-election to serve the 11th Legislative District, which covers 18 municipalities within Monmouth County.

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