But even as grape production continues to expand in New Jersey, it is not keeping pace with increased wine production. New Jersey's wine industry ranks fifth in production behind California, Oregon, Washington and New York. This means the industry is becoming less dependent on New Jersey grapes and more dependent on out-of-state grapes, and risks losing its legitimate claim as an agricultural concern in the state.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture administers a promotion and research fund for the wine industry. The fund is supported by per gallon tax refunds collected by the New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council. The Department also provides the Council with Jersey Fresh matching money. The Council prints promotional materials, conducts publicity programs, funds promotional festivals and conducts varietal and production oriented research with the funds.

In keeping with the goals outlined in its strategic plan, the Department continues to identify strategies to ensure the economic viability of the state's wine industry as well as the agricultural industry as a whole.

STRATEGIES

• Increase New Jersey Grape Production
  • Support research to determine the viability of increasing the state's grape production, which would likely lead to an increase in the New Jersey agricultural content of New Jersey wines.
    
    
• Improve Roadside Signage
  • Support increased directional signage on New Jersey's roadways to heighten consumer awareness and provide a more visible marketing profile for the industry.
    
  • Conduct a study comparing New Jersey's highway signage regulations with similar regulations in other states.
    
  • If necessary, seek industry specific exemptions and changes in the existing signage regulations to increase the availability for signage opportunities.
    
    
• Expand the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival
  • Support the expansion of the Jersey Fresh Wine Festival to include the wine industry, restaurant industry and farmers markets.
    
  • Work in close conjunction with the wine industry to assist in securing a location for the festival, promoting the event and overseeing the recruitment of farmers to sell directly to the public during the event.
    
    
• Assist in Addressing Labor Issues
  • Continue the commitment to programs that support worker training, keep workers healthy and safe, and address issues such as farm labor housing.
    
  • Support reform of policies and procedures addressing temporary agricultural worker visas at the federal and state level.
    
  • Encourage farmers to take a pro-active approach to learning about their responsibilities at both the federal and state levels to ensure worker safety.