Requires NJEDA to establish loan program to assist beginning farmers in financing capital purchases.
This bill creates a loan program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to help beginning farmers purchase essential assets. It directly affects new or limited-experience farmers (defined as those with ≤10 years of farming in NJ, low/moderate net worth, or first-time farmers under federal rules) who need capital for agricultural land, farm buildings, or equipment. The program requires applicants to prove farming experience, residency, and plan to use loans solely for farming activities, with NJEDA setting interest rates and eligibility criteria. Loans must finance purchases within New Jersey, and NJEDA may require financial reviews to ensure borrower viability.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
lower
3 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Alex Sauickie
RRepublican
P
Bill Spearman
DDemocratic
P
Dawn Fantasia
RRepublican
Co
Andrea Katz
DDemocratic
Co
Chris Tully
DDemocratic
Co
Gerry Scharfenberger
RRepublican
Co
John DiMaio
RRepublican
Co
Mike Inganamort
RRepublican
Co
Rob Clifton
RRepublican
Co
Shanique Speight
DDemocratic
Co
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 2896
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand A 2896. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline