Farm bill earns Assembly approval

TRENTON — Lawmakers advanced legislation by Assemblyman Parker Space helping New Jersey farms be more competitive and profitable.
The Assembly approved the bill authorizing the establishment of food hubs — or food incubators — where farmers can collectively promote their sales, marketing, branding and profitability.
“Food hubs are an answer to the growing consumer demand for locally grown, high value produce,” said Space. “Hubs also benefit hard-working farmers who struggle to sustain any kind of profitability. Competition is fierce, and large farms have a distinct advantage. The food hub can help New Jersey’s many small and mid-size farms reduce costs by sourcing materials more efficiently, and maximize revenue with superior marketing and branding.”
The U.S. Agriculture Department has been at the forefront of developing food hubs across the nation.