Assembly names hazelnut state nut after heated floor debate

Trenton — The Assembly voted to make the hazelnut the official State Nut of New Jersey, approving Assembly Bill 3392 after an extended and at times contentious floor discussion.

Sponsor remarks highlighted more than 30 years of research at Rutgers’ New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and noted private investment in the program. A sponsor said research efforts recently enabled production of blight‑resistant hazelnut strains and argued the designation recognizes scientific achievement and potential economic development for regional farmers.

Debate included pointed criticism of the bill’s legislative priority and cost. One member said the measure was “moronic” and questioned why the legislature should spend time and resources on a symbolic designation rather than higher‑priority policy. Other members pushed back and noted regional agricultural potential and commercial interest.

The clerk recorded the final vote as 58 yes, 15 no and 0 abstentions; the bill was declared passed.

What it means: The designation is ceremonial and symbolic; it recognizes research and potential agricultural opportunity but does not itself create funding or a program beyond the symbol. Implementation is chiefly administrative: enrolled language will be sent for the governor’s consideration and any further programmatic action would require additional legislation or administrative steps.

Next steps: The enrolled bill will follow the usual course to the governor’s desk for signature or veto.