TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) to boost New Jersey’s wine industry was approved today by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
The bill (S-2845) would create the New Jersey Wine Board to foster the development of the New Jersey wine industry, promote the orderly growth of the industry through advertising and other means, expand viticulture and enological research, increase education about the industry, and promote the production of grapes and wine in the State. The measure would also dedicate additional funding to this effort, allowing the full amount of the existing state revenue generated on wines and ciders sold by New Jersey wineries to go toward the promotion of wines, research and related endeavors.
“While New Jersey ranks among the top 10 states in wine production in the country, there is no doubt that our wines are among the finest and can compete with those produced around the world. Supporting our growers and vintners is key to ensuring the industry continues to grow and thrive,” said Senator Norcross. “Focusing our efforts on promotion, education and research with additional funding will help to boost the industry, making New Jersey’s wineries stronger and more prosperous.”