Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee Statement to Assembly Resolution, No. 192

Summary

A statement of the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee to Assembly Resolution No. 192, dated June 12, 2025, reporting the resolution favorably. The 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. The statement says there are over 60 wineries in the State and that the industry generates over $30 million in revenue annually. It adds that grape production is not keeping pace with increased demand for wine.

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ASSEMBLY COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE
COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY
RESOLUTION No. 192

STATE
OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE
12, 2025

The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and
Agriculture Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 192.

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 generates 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.

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