WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the State University of New Jersey at Rutgers a $456,727 federal grant to study cranberry fruit chemistry. The study seeks to discover if there is a way to grow cranberries that need less added sugar and are healthier to eat.

“This investment supports two driving forces in New Jersey’s economy: higher education and agriculture,” said Senator Menendez. “As the nation’s third largest producer of cranberries, New Jersey is the perfect place to conduct necessary research on improving cranberry production, and I congratulate Rutgers on putting together a stellar research team to do the job.”

“Federal investments like this in technology and innovation, particularly in agriculture, are critical to growing the Garden State’s economy and boosting job creation,” said Senator Booker. “New Jersey agriculture is key to our region’s economic competitiveness, so I applaud Rutgers for taking this important step in ensuring we remain in the forefront of cranberry production.”

Senator Menendez with Stephen Lee II, the proprietor Lee Family Farm, an Ocean Spray-affiliated cranberry farm in Chatsworth, New Jersey.

Senator Menendez with Stephen Lee II, the proprietor Lee Family Farm, an Ocean Spray-affiliated cranberry farm in Chatsworth, New Jersey. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Past research at Rutgers has found bacterial anti-adherence mechanisms helping to fight urinary tract infection and dental caries, as well as other antioxidant properties.

###