Bill Text: NJ AR86 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges Department of Agriculture to promote production of grapes and use of locally produced fruits for use in wines made in New Jersey.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-01-13 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [AR86 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AR86-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CARMEN THERESA MORALES
District 34 (Essex)
SYNOPSIS
Urges Department of Agriculture to promote production of grapes and use of locally produced fruits for use in wines made in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Assembly Resolution urging the Department of Agriculture to support efforts increasing the production of grapes Statewide and the use of locally produced fruits in wines made in the State.
Whereas, New Jersey is home to approximately 60 wineries, which generate over $30 million in revenue annually; and
Whereas, Wineries in the State contribute to the diversification of New Jersey's agricultural sector by offering agricultural tourism opportunities while also providing a value-added product to a burgeoning market; and
Whereas, Wines made in the State earn awards locally, nationally, and internationally; and
Whereas, The Department of Agriculture already administers a promotion and research fund for the wine and grape industry, which is supported by per gallon assessments collected by the New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council; and
Whereas, The New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council prints educational materials, conducts publicity programs, funds promotional festivals, and conducts varietal and production-oriented research with appropriated funds; and
Whereas, The Department of Agriculture has also committed to a "Secretary Select" initiative, to celebrate wines produced in the State; and
Whereas, In part due to these existing efforts to promote the New Jersey wine and grape industry, the State's wine industry ranks in the Top 10 in the nation in production; and
Whereas, Although grape production continues to expand in New Jersey, grape production is not keeping pace with increased wine production; and
Whereas, Wineries often face significant challenges due to pests, disease, weather, or other issues, and should have some flexibility, in instances of crop failure, as to the amounts and types of crops grown on State farms that are used in their wines; and
Whereas, This House urges the Department of Agriculture to continue taking steps to help the wine and grape industry increase grape production in an effort to increase the local agricultural input of New Jersey's wine industry; promote the use of locally produced fruits in the making of New Jersey wines; encourage support for new research to increase the State's grape production; and expand the locally grown content of New Jersey wines; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges the Department of Agriculture to assist the New Jersey wine and grape industry increase the production of local grapes and promote the use of locally produced fruits in the making of wines made in the State.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Secretary of Agriculture.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the Department of Agriculture to assist the New Jersey wine and grape industry in increasing the production and use of local grapes and fruits in the vinification of State wines.
For over 150 years, the New Jersey wine industry has generated high-quality wines, which have gained national and international acclaim. Currently, there are over 60 wineries in the State in the four designated American Viticultural Areas: Cape May Peninsula, Warren Hills AVA, Central Delaware Valley AVA, and the Outer Coastal Plain AVA. Annually, the wine and grape industry in New Jersey generate over $30 million in revenue. Wineries in the State contribute to the diversification of New Jersey's agricultural sector, offering agro-tourism opportunities while providing a value-added product.
The Department of Agriculture already administers a promotion and research fund for the wine and grape industry, which is supported by per gallon assessments collected by the New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council. This council prints educational materials, conducts publicity programs, funds promotional festivals and conducts varietal and production-oriented research with these funds. The department has also initiated a "Secretary Select" effort, to celebrate wines produced in the State. Thanks to these efforts to promote the New Jersey wine and grape industry, the State's wine industry ranks in the Top 10 in the nation in production.
Despite the expansion of grape generation in New Jersey, grape production is not keeping pace with increased demand for wine. Wineries often face significant challenges due to pests, disease, weather or other issues. With flexibility in the amounts and types of crops grown on the farms that are used in their wines, wineries could continue to generate the quality, locally-sourced wine products demanded by the State market. Therefore, it is imperative that New Jersey wineries and grape producers receive continued and reinforced support from the Department of Agriculture in order to meet consumer demands and maintain the vitality of the State viticultural sector.
