Houghtaling Bill to Help Promote Locally Produced Agricultural Products Heads to Governor

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) to help New Jersey counties promote agricultural products produced in those counties was given final legislative approval Monday by the Senate, 37-0.

“People today are much more conscious about the foods they eat and where it comes from,” said Houghtaling, who sits on the committee. “These labels can help inform consumers about the origins of the product they’ve purchased, help promote agricultural products that are locally produced and foster a sense of pride and identity for the farmers and their communities.”

The bill (A-3055) would authorize counties to create, adopt, and issue promotional labels to be used on agricultural products to identify agricultural products either fresh or processed that are produced in the county. The bill would also require counties to consult with the Department of Agriculture in the development, adoption, and issuance of the promotional labels.

It will now go to the Governor’s desk for further consideration.