Garden State Times

TRENTON, N.J. – Community Supported Agriculture programs, described as a way for locals to get to know their farmer and their food, will be promoted through a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie and passed by the Assembly on Monday.

Assemblyman Sauickie emphasized the importance of local farm product subscription programs, highlighting the benefits they offer to both customers and farmers. He expressed, "Whether it’s called a club or a program, local farms are offering subscriptions to customers as a way to sell their products and connect with their communities. Customers get to enjoy seasonal produce like ears of Jersey sweet corn, garden-grown tomatoes, or farm-fresh eggs and support their local farmers."

The bill sponsored by Sauickie, known as A2320, mandates the state Department of Agriculture to actively promote community-supported agriculture programs. This includes providing labels to farmers for marketing, establishing a website, encouraging school participation, and designating the last week in February as CSA Week.

Sauickie further emphasized the significance of these programs, stating, "The ability to obtain regular, in-season, Jersey Fresh products is invaluable and can’t be taken for granted. I want the younger generation of residents to realize the benefits of biting into a peach ripened on a local farm or eating a sweet potato grown in New Jersey soil. We can all play a part in supporting the future of farming in New Jersey. These programs are a great way for communities to show they truly value their farmers."

The bill also allows for the utilization of the state's New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund to cover the expenses associated with promoting community-supported agriculture and emphasizing its importance in the agricultural sector.