Policy Committee
Committee Purpose
Since its inception in 1985, NOFA-NJ has shaped the organic and sustainable growing movement in New Jersey and nationally through policy action, events and outreach actions. In cooperation with many partners and coalitions in all arenas of the food and environmental realm, NOFA-NJ’s policy work has contributed to the national organic standards, initial establishment of the New Jersey organic certification program and the promotion and development of the best farming practices, soil health and soil health policy.
NOFA-NJ’s policy work efforts work to:
– Increase access to land opportunities for beginning and new farmers,
– Encourage policies and regulations that support and incentivize sustainable farms and farmers,
– Increase economic opportunities with technical training for sustainable farmers, inclusive of BIPOC farmers.
-Offer support for the government entities that support sustainable growing practices in urban and rural settings including programs within the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS), NJ Department of Agriculture(NJDA), NJ Farm Bureau, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Experiment Stations throughout the state.
– Encourage policies that support the growing body of evidence that organic farming practices can mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration farming methods.
We, at NOFA- NJ want to keep you informed as to the current national, state and local agricultural and social justice policy proposals currently occurring. We do not participate in any particular political party associations or actions.
Resources & Links
SADC ISSUES ALARM ABOUT LARGE SCALE SOLAR EXPANSION ON FARMLAND
During a meeting of the SADC (State Agricultural Development Committee) on Feb 25, 2021, the goals within the 2019 NJ Energy Master Plan- Pathway to 2050, https://www.nj.gov/emp/docs/pdf/2020_NJBPU_EMP.pdf were presented, which discussed large scale solar utility...
Brief update on BIPOC Farmer Assistance in the COVID Relief Package
The Senate is now debating the $1.9 billion covid relief package, which includes some BIPOC farmer assistance. Those provisions are based on a bill the Booker, Warnock et al introduced recently. Here’s a quick summary of the Ag and Nutrition provisions of the bill. ...
Booker Appointed to Senate Agriculture Committee
Washington, DC -- US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has been appointed to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, one of the oldest Senate committees whose jurisdiction focuses on agriculture, nutrition, food, and hunger. In addition to Booker, Sen....