TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has released new guidance to help farmers and landowners comply with regulations related to on-farm composting activities, officials announced.
The document, finalized in April 2026, was developed through a four-year collaboration involving the Department of Agriculture, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Solid Waste Recycling Unit, the Northeastern Organic Farming Association of New Jersey and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
Officials said the guidance provides a comprehensive overview of composting practices on land used for agricultural or horticultural purposes and clarifies how those activities are regulated under state laws, including recycling rules and farmland assessment requirements.
The document is intended to promote consistency in enforcement and understanding across the state, while also giving farmers practical information to maintain compliance and support sustainable agricultural practices.
The guidance also outlines how composting activities intersect with existing regulations, including the New Jersey Farmland Assessment Act and the Right to Farm Act.
Officials said the resource is designed to assist farmers in adopting environmentally responsible practices while maintaining productivity and regulatory compliance.
The guidance document is available online through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website.
