Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R – Sussex, Warren, Morris) to support New Jersey farmers and locally-made food products was passed by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“Families in New Jersey depend on the hard work of our local farmers,” said Oroho. “Establishing ‘Food Hubs’, will grow New Jersey’s local-farmer network and create a path from Farm to Table.”

The legislation, S-2822, would direct the Department of Agriculture to authorize and advise “Food Hubs,” which are businesses or organizations that actively manage the distribution and marketing of locally-made food products.

This legislation adds on to Senator Oroho’s timeline of legislation which provides sustainable local farms for the tables of New Jersey’s families, including:

• This summer, Sen. Oroho and Asm. Space sponsored the law that established the Farm to School program in New Jersey. “We have a chance to teach kids about where their food comes from while getting plenty of Jersey Fresh produce into our schools,” Senator Oroho said.
• Last year, Sen. Oroho sponsored the law S-2620 to enhance the economic viability of family farms operating on parcels of preserved farmland.
• In 2015, Senator Oroho sponsored the law S-2547 that reestablishes historic driving privileges for teenagers working on New Jersey farms. “Keeping teens involved in the family farming business is a key part of continuing the Garden State’s rich agricultural heritage.” explained Sen. Oroho.

“There are many potential ways to continue New Jersey’s long tradition of local farmers,” said Senator Oroho. “Programs such as Jersey Fresh have started a trend to support New Jersey’s farms and I am proud to expand on its progress.”

Related Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/steveoroho/posts/10155632784128580

Related Tweet:
https://twitter.com/stevenoroho/status/941394380669276160

Website Post:
http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/oroho/oroho-bill-to-support-new-jersey-farmers-and-local-food-products-advances/35904