NJ A4027

Creates a 7-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 urban agriculture 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 municipalities with population density over 1,500 per square mile or total population of at least 50,000.

Establishes the Urban and Suburban Agriculture Grant Program providing grants up to $10,000 per applicant (capped at $250,000 total) for purchasing equipment for urban or suburban agricultural operations.

Creates a reimbursement program (capped at $100,000 total) for individuals who complete educational courses on urban and suburban agriculture developed by the commission.

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