New JerseyFarm wineries could seek a fruit-rule waiver in their first five years
In their first five years, farm wineries could seek a waiver from the 51% New Jersey fruit rule if they agree to meet it as soon as practical and limit production.
What it does
Licensed farm wineries could get a waiver from the 51% New Jersey fruit rule during their first five years. They must agree to meet the rule as soon as practical and stay within their highest yearly production when using out-of-state fruit.
Argument forA waiver could let farm wineries in their first five years use more out-of-state fruit while they work toward the 51% New Jersey share.
Argument againstUsing more out-of-state fruit under a waiver could mean fewer purchases from New Jersey growers during a winery’s first five years.
More detail
The state alcohol director would grant a waiver to a farm winery license holder that applies and meets both conditions. The waiver would cover the rule requiring at least 51% New Jersey-grown grapes or fruit in wine and fruit juice made during a licensed farm winery’s first five years. The winery must agree to meet the required New Jersey fruit share as soon as practical. While using fruit grown outside New Jersey, it must not exceed the production volume of its highest-producing year. The director may charge a reasonable application fee. The director would decide within 15 days of receiving an application. The waiver provision would take effect on the first day of the third month after enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 17Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources CommitteeIntroduced
Agriculture