WEEK OF MARCH 24

On March 24, the Senate Economic Growth Committee heard S2200, which “Creates pilot program to provide corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for value of certain fruit and vegetable donations made by commercial farm operators.” The bill incentivizing farmers to donate fresh produce. The bill was passed (39-0) by the Senate Committee and referred on to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

In the Senate another bill was introduced, by Senator Turner, that NJFDC will be closely tracking. It pertains to funding the setting aside of land in urban and peri-urban areas for agriculture use. It is S4350, title: “Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.”

The NJFDC Legislative and Policy Workgroup will conduct an analysis of the bill in the month of April and convene to discuss it.