New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation into law to incorporate local aquaculture products into the Jersey Fresh program, the state’s agricultural marketing initiative.
“Aquaculture is an increasingly important part of New Jersey’s agricultural economy, and the farmers behind it deserve the same visibility and marketing support as other Jersey Fresh producers,” New Jersey Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic) said in a statement. “This bill helps connect consumers with high-quality, locally grown seafood while also supporting businesses and job creation along our coast and inland waterways.”
The new law directs the state’s Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote aquaculture products under the Jersey Fresh branding initiative. The Jersey Fresh program provides advertising, promotions, and quality grading in support of the state’s various agricultural products. The program supports those products with billboards, advertisements on television and in print, and through point-of-purchase materials.
“Jersey Fresh is all about promoting the best New Jersey's agricultural community has to offer, and that includes our aquaculturists,” New Jersey Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) said. “Expanding Jersey Fresh to include aquaculture ensures our marketing efforts don't stop at the water's edge but rather reflect the full range of products grown and raised in the Garden State.”
To participate in Jersey Fresh, producers need to register with the Quality Grading Program and meet quality standards. Once accepted into the program, companies can use the Jersey Fresh logo on their packages.
“Our Jersey Fresh program is trusted by consumers, and this legislation puts that trusted label to work for aquaculture businesses,” New Jersey Assemblyman William Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester) said. “Promoting local seafood supports economic growth, sustainability, and food security for communities across New Jersey.”
