Jersey Fresh bill becomes law

Hungry customers won’t have to look far for restaurants that serve Jersey Fresh foods.
A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space requiring the state’s tourism division to publish on its website information about farm-to-table restaurants was signed this week by the governor.
“People are more health conscious today and are looking for fresh, healthy foods to eat, especially when eating out,” said Space. “This new law will help local farmers sell their products while allowing restaurants across the state to showcase their Jersey Fresh menus.”
A January 2018 state Agriculture Department survey found that 72 percent of consumers indicated a stronger preference for local food labeled Jersey Fresh – an all-time high.
Food and agriculture are New Jersey’s third largest industry.
In 2017, the state's 9,000 farms generated sales totaling more than $1 billion, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
Senator Steve Oroho was a prime sponsor of the bill in the Senate; Assemblyman Hal Wirths was a cosponsor.