AJR152

A Joint Resolution designating October of each year as “Cider Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Various drinks can be made from the juice of an apple, including: 1) sweet cider, a non-alcoholic juice that results from pressing apples, 2) hard cider, an alcoholic drink made from sweet cider, and 3) applejack, a distilled liquor made from hard cider; and

Whereas, Cider was a popular drink among colonists in the United States, and colonists first planted apple orchards in New Jersey in the 17th century; and

Whereas, Some of the first and largest cider operations in the country were located in northern New Jersey, and, by the end of the colonial period, the cider produced in Newark was renowned around the United States; and

Whereas, Northern New Jersey was one of the most significant apple growing and cider producing regions in the United States for more than 200 years; and

Whereas, Hard cider production declined and was almost extinct in New Jersey by the middle of the 18th century because grain alcohol could be produced far more cheaply and with less labor; and

Whereas, During the first quarter of the 21st century, the cider industry in New Jersey was revived as new cideries began opening across the State; and

Whereas, The modern cideries in New Jersey operate on a relatively small scale, which allows the cideries to experiment with different flavors and produce unique products; and

Whereas, Cider production is labor intensive and, accordingly, has the potential to create jobs for New Jersey citizens; and

Whereas, The New Jersey cider industry supports the State’s agricultural industry, which made $1.5 billion in sales and included 2,481 acres of apple orchards in 2022, by purchasing apples grown in the State for cider production; and

Whereas, Orchard farmers in the State may increase their income, reduce waste, and ensure greater food safety by selling a value-added product like cider; and

Whereas, The New Jersey cider industry also supports the State’s agrotourism industry, which made $67 million in sales and created 641 jobs in 2024, by producing cider in scenic facilities on family-friendly farms and by hosting events and festivals that attract visitors to the State each year; and

Whereas, The United States cider industry recognized October as “National Cider Month” to celebrate cider, cidermakers, and the harvest season, which is at its height in New Jersey from September 1 to October 25; and

Whereas, Designating October as “Cider Month” in New Jersey would promote the State’s expanding cider industry, which would, in turn, support the State’s apple producing industry and the portions of the State’s agrotourism industry associated with apple picking and cider production; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of October is designated as “Cider Month” in New Jersey to celebrate the apple harvesting season and promote the State’s growing cider industry, including the cidermakers working, and the cider produced, in the State.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon the State’s cider industry, the State’s apple producing industry, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State to publicize and observe “Cider Month” with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates October of each year as “Cider Month” in New Jersey to celebrate the apple harvest season and promote the State’s cider industry, reflecting the same goals as “National Cider Month.” The Governor is respectfully urged to issue a proclamation each year calling upon the State’s cider industry, apple producing industry, Secretary of Agriculture, and Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State to publicize “Cider Month” and celebrate “Cider Month” with appropriate activities and programs.

Cider production has a long history in New Jersey. Cider, which can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic, was a staple drink of the colonists in the United States and was first produced in New Jersey in the 17th century after colonists planted the first apple orchards in the State. Northern New Jersey was particularly known for its apple and cider production, and the cider produced in Newark was renowned by the end of the colonial period. However, by the middle of the 18th century, the production of cider in the State was almost extinct as it was far cheaper to produce grain alcohol at that time.

During the first quarter of the 21st century, cideries again began to open across New Jersey. As the cideries in the State are smaller than others around the country, the cideries are able to experiment with flavors and produce unique products. Moreover, the cideries in New Jersey offer a variety of benefits to the State and the State’s citizens by creating jobs, supporting the agricultural industry, and boosting agrotourism in the State.

The cider industry already recognizes October as “National Cider Month,” during which the industry celebrates cider, cidermakers, and the harvest season. Designating October as “Cider Month” in New Jersey would promote the expanding cider industry, and the related apple production and agrotourism industries, in the State.