BILL TO PROMOTE STATE WINERIES PASSES PANEL

Legislation Assembly members Nelson Albano, Matt Milam, Celeste Riley and Gilbert L. “Whip” Wilson sponsored to promote agricultural tourism and wineries in New Jersey was released Thursday by an Assembly panel.
One bill (A-812) sponsored by the four members would establish a statewide motorist sign system that would be easily identifiable and promote agricultural tourism attractions.
The other (A-2495) sponsored by Albano and Riley would allow wineries to participate in any tourist-related directional sign program established by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Under the bill, the Secretary of Agriculture would establish eligibility standards for participating in the program and reasonable fees to be charged to participating establishments to pay for the signs. County agricultural boards would be able to help pay.
The bill sponsored by Albano and Riley would allow plenary and farm winery licensees to be deemed eligible for participation in any tourist-oriented directional sign program established by the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, if the entrance for tourists to such licensee’s premises is located within three miles of the state or interstate highway system.
The bills were released by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural ReDests Committee chaired by Albano.