Houghtaling Bill Establishing Farm Liaison in Department in Agriculture to Encourage Farmers to Participate in Anti-Hunger Programs Gains Final Legislative Approval, Heads to Governor

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling issued the following statement Thursday on the advancement of his bill (A-4708) out of the full Senate by a 35-0 vote, which establishes a Farm Liaison in the Department of Agriculture to encourage farmers to participate in New Jersey’s agricultural programs:

Houghtaling (D-Monmouth): “The responsibilities of farmers are so vast that they often lack the time or resources to learn about every program offered by the Department of Agriculture, which include taxation programs, food donations, anti-hunger initiatives, as well as other programs. By creating a Farm Liaison who can assist and encourage farmers to enroll in these programs, we will expand access to food for hungry people across New Jersey, as well as ease some of the financial and physical burdens for our state’s farmers.”

The bill was approved by the Assembly Human Services Committee on November 29, the full Assembly on December 17 and now heads to the Governor’s desk.