TRENTON—Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Lisa Swain to promote community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs in New Jersey cleared the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Monday.
Bill A3108 would require the Department of Agriculture to develop and implement a statewide publicity and marketing program to increase awareness of CSA programs, which allow consumers to purchase seasonal subscriptions directly from local farms in exchange for regular shares of fresh produce and other agricultural products.
The bill would require the department to create and maintain a dedicated CSA webpage, promote participating farms and programs statewide, develop promotional labels for farmers, and establish an annual “Community Supported Agriculture Week” during the last full week of February. It would also expand opportunities for schools to participate in CSA programs through the State’s existing Farm to School Program.
“Community supported agriculture helps strengthen local farms while making fresh, locally grown food more accessible for New Jersey families,” said Assemblywoman Swain (D-Bergen). “By increasing awareness of these programs and encouraging more participation, we can support our agricultural community, improve food access, and keep more people connected to the farms right here in our state.”
The legislation would also help connect schools, school districts, and food banks with farms interested in CSA partnerships, creating more opportunities for fresh, seasonal New Jersey-grown products to reach classrooms and communities across the state while supporting the long-term stability of local farmers.
