Photo from http://www.state.nj.us/governor/press_photos/jan04.html
Posted on 08/16/2004 8:13:39 PM PDT by Begin
(BRICK)—Governor James E. McGreevey signed legislation into law today that will make the Vaccinium corymbosum, more commonly known as the blueberry, New Jersey’s official state fruit.
The Governor signed the legislation at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Brick, where fifth graders (then fourth-graders) were actively involved in the legislative process.
“New Jersey has a strong history as the Garden State,” said McGreevey. “Naming the blueberry as our official state fruit is a fitting tribute to our culture and heritage, especially because it was first cultivated here in Whitesbog.
“If it weren’t for the commitment and civic involvement of the students at Veterans Memorial, New Jersey would still be without a state fruit. I want to thank them and their teachers for proving that when you believe in something, you can make a difference through government. You’re making history today.”
Last year, as fourth graders in Mrs. Gail Damiano’s and Mrs. Suzanne Kurasz’s classes, the students learned that New Jersey lacked an official state fruit. Upon researching and debating different fruits, they ultimately decided on the blueberry. The students had their idea introduced as legislation and conducted a lobbying campaign to see its passage, including media interviews, a letter and petition drive, presentations to local governing bodies and a trip to the State’s blueberry festival in Whitesbog. In addition, the classes traveled to Trenton to make presentations before Senate and Assembly Committees.
The blueberry was first cultivated in the Garden State in Whitesbog by Elizabeth C. White, whose father, J.J. White owned a cranberry plantation. Wild blueberries grew in their cranberry bogs, but it was generally accepted that it was not possible to cultivate blueberries. In 1911, she read about Dr. Frederick V. Coville’s work in blueberry cultivation, and began working with him to cultivate blueberries for sale. In 1916, their first blueberry was produced.
"With New Jersey being the birthplace of the cultivated blueberry, it is very fitting that the blueberry be named the official state fruit," said Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. "I am pleased that these students from Veterans Memorial recognized the importance of the blueberry to the proud agricultural heritage of the Garden State and worked so diligently to secure this honor."
New Jersey produces 22 percent of the nation’s blueberries, ranking second in production among all berry-producing states. A total of 42 million pounds of blueberries were harvested in New Jersey in 2002, generating cash receipts of $46.8 million. Blueberries are grown on 8,000 acres in seven counties spanning central and southern New Jersey. Blueberries are typically in season from mid-June to late August.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 3344, was sponsored by Senator Andrew Ciesla, and Assemblymen David Wolfe and James Holzapfel.
Senator Ciesla said, “I couldn’t be happier for our young students. They learned a great lesson in government, they found out they could make a difference, and they created history. Their parents and teachers rightly deserve to be very proud of these future leaders.”
Assemblyman Wolfe said, “New Jersey is widely known as the blueberry capital of the nation, so the students had a great idea in proposing that it be named our official state fruit.”
The blueberry now joins a host of other official state symbols: the violet (flower), Eastern Goldfinch (bird), red oak (tree), honey bee (insect), horse (animal), square dance (dance), Hadrosaurus Foulkii (dinosaur), knobbed whelk (shell), brook trout (fish) and the A. J. Meerwald (tall ship).
In retrospect, the gooseberry would have been a better choice...
Are White Owls the State cigar?
I thought he *was* the official fruit!
They're letting him near CHILDREN?
Oh, man. Savor the irony.
Id think he would name the huckleberry
How bout dingleberries?
Ummmmmmmm...~
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~~~No.
Just more of the critical work the Gov must continue to make the transition smooth. /sarcasm
GET THIS GUY OUT NOOOOOOOOWWW!
***I thought he *was* the official fruit!***
LOL!
Fifth grade,huh? Can you imagine what those kids were saying about the "state fruit"? He shoulda sent his assistant.
Love the way he holds the microphone.
For some reason, the word banana comes to mind.
Wonder if they know Maine already had it. Just like a gov from NJ to steal another states fruit. LOL
I thought McGreevey was the official fruit.
Typical of our education system. Anyone else notice the sign the boy is holding? I guess "chose" is shorthand for "choose".
We do have superior blueberries in the Garden State. I guess it's the sandy soil.
NJ just got new Fruit called the McGreevey.
Official State...
Chair - folding
Disease - leprosy
Dog - poodle
Cat - none
Issue of Playboy - any December issue
Drug - valium
Type of Bag - paper, no, plastic
Tv Series from the 60's - My Mother the Car
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