Senate OKs Van Drew’s ‘Jersey Fresh’ Bill

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew to promote locally-grown fruits and vegetables by expanding the ‘Jersey Fresh’ program to baked goods and other food products was today approved by the Senate. It now heads to the desk of Governor Christie.
The bill (S-1179) would designate baked goods and other products made with ‘Jersey Fresh’ ingredients ‘Made With Jersey Fresh.’
“Jersey Fresh is a brand consumers have grown to know and love,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “With this new designation, shoppers will be able to immediately spot baked goods and other foods that are made with the same high-quality, great tasting produce they trust.”
The Jersey Fresh advertising and promotional program was developed in 1983 to draw consumer attention to the availability of New Jersey farm products. The intent was to increase the profitability of New Jersey farms and the viability of local agriculture. The highly-successful promotional campaign highlights the freshness of New Jersey produce to give local growers a competitive edge over produce shipped from other states.
“Farmers are part of the fabric of the Garden State,” said Senator Van Drew. “By promoting our ‘Jersey Fresh’ program, we will provide much-needed support to our growers and give them the competitive edge they so desperately need in this economic environment.”
The bill would also encourage the purchase of “Made With Jersey Fresh” products at the New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property, within the Department of the Treasury, and at service areas along the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and Atlantic City Expressway, operated by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority, respectively.
The bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 74-0 in March. The Senate approved the bill 36-0.