NJ A6089

Establishes a seven-member Urban and Suburban Agriculture Commission within the Department of Agriculture, including the Secretary of Agriculture, Commissioner of Environmental Protection, Executive Director of the State Agriculture Development Committee, and four public members with relevant expertise appointed by the Governor

Requires the commission to develop a soil and water supply testing program for landowners or lessees seeking to establish or operate agricultural operations in urban/suburban areas (municipalities with population density over 1,500 per square mile or total population of at least 50,000)

Creates the Urban and Suburban Agriculture Grant Program providing grants up to $10,000 per qualified applicant (capped at $250,000 total) for purchasing equipment to be used at agricultural operations in urban or suburban areas

Establishes a reimbursement program (capped at $100,000 total) to reimburse individuals who take educational courses developed by the commission on establishing, operating, and maintaining urban/suburban agricultural operations

Appropriates $1 million annually from the General Fund: $650,000 for soil and water testing, $250,000 for equipment grants, and $100,000 for education course reimbursements