Dancer bills supporting farmers, organic and regenerative agriculture advance in Assembly

TRENTON, N.J. - An active promoter of the Garden State's agricultural future, Assemblyman Ron Dancer thanked fellow members of the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee for advancing two of his bills on Monday.

"I extend my gratitude to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for moving these important measures that will strengthen the Garden State's farming communities," Dancer (R-Ocean) said. "Recognizing the contributions of minority, women and underserved farmers, and supporting the organic farming industry will help New Jersey remain a leader in the agricultural world. Our farmers need continuing attention through initiatives like these to help them grow and sustain their businesses for future generations."

• • • Modeled after the federal program, bill A1929 creates a New Jersey Minority, Women, and Underserved Farmer Registry. It aims to bolster the participation of New Jersey minority, women, and historically underserved farmers in state and federal loan and assistance programs for farmers.
    • To promote the approximately 60 certified organic farms and regenerative farming in the state, bill A3444 would establish the Organic Farming Board in the state Department of Agriculture. The board would develop and run programs to provide outreach, education and marketing support to organic and regenerative farms. Regenerative farming refers to practices that prioritize the health of soil and the ecosystem, rebuild soil organic matter, sequester carbon and restore degraded soil biodiversity, and utilize conservation practices to ensure the long-term health of the farm's ecosystem.

The bills go to the speaker for further consideration.