Oroho-Space farm bills become law

TRENTON — A package of comprehensive farm bills sponsored by Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex) and Assemblyman Parker Space (R-Sussex) benefitting the state’s farming industry, schools and food banks was signed Monday by Gov. Chris Christie.
“New Jersey has a long history of farming and farm culture, especially in the district I represent,” Oroho said. “Not only will these new laws help us keep the farmer on the farm, they will help educate students about New Jersey’s important agricultural heritage.”
“Agriculture is the third largest industry in the state, providing thousands of jobs and billions in revenue,” Space said. “These new laws continue our support of this vital industry. They protect farmers, help students understand why New Jersey is known as the Garden State, and provide fresh, nutritious food to food banks and soup kitchens.”
The first bill (A3056) encourages schools and colleges to donate excess food to feed the poor through nonprofit organizations. The second bill (A3058) creates a coordinating council to improve the Farm to School program. The third (A4580) and fourth (A4581) measures provide more than $24.3 million in funding for farmland preservation. The fifth (S2457) allows residents to donate to the New Jersey Fresh program through their income tax returns.