WHITE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Warren County has reached a major milestone in its efforts to protect agricultural land, surpassing 30,000 acres of permanently preserved farmland following the preservation of a 120-acre family farm in White Township.
County officials gathered Sunday, Oct. 25, at the farm owned by Sue and Jerry McEvoy to celebrate the achievement, which comes 16 years after Sue McEvoy’s father, Frank Demeter, helped the county reach its previous milestone of 20,000 preserved acres.
Demeter’s farm was recognized on Sept. 27, 2010, when Warren County celebrated preserving its 20,000th acre. Now, his daughter and son-in-law have helped the county reach 30,000 acres, while their son continues farming land that his grandfather helped protect.
“There’s something especially meaningful about celebrating 30,000 acres here,” said Warren County Agriculture Development Board Chairman Joel Schnetzer. “Sixteen years ago, Frank Demeter’s farm represented a milestone for Warren County. Today, his daughter and son-in-law are helping us reach the next one, while their son is farming land his grandfather helped preserve. That’s what farmland preservation is really about – keeping the land in agriculture and giving the next generation an opportunity to carry on the tradition.”
Warren County’s farmland preservation program began in 1989 and has since worked with hundreds of willing landowners to permanently protect agricultural properties throughout the county. The voluntary program allows participating farmers to retain ownership and continue agricultural operations while permanently eliminating nonagricultural development rights.
According to the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture, Warren County had 923 farms covering 70,747 acres, with agricultural products generating more than $128 million in market value.
County officials said preserving farmland remains a priority as agricultural properties face increasing pressure from residential, commercial and industrial development. Once farmland is converted to another use, returning it to agricultural production can be difficult or impossible.
“Warren County has a rich agricultural heritage, and preserving farmland is one of the ways we can make sure that heritage remains part of our future,” said Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla. “These are not simply acres of open land. They are working farms, family businesses and places where generations of Warren County residents have built their lives.”
“Every farm we preserve helps protect the character of our communities and the landscape that makes Warren County special,” said Commissioner Deputy Director James R. Kern III. “There is increasing pressure to develop land throughout New Jersey, and Warren County must continue to be intentional about protecting the farmland, open space and natural resources that our residents value. Preserving farmland is an investment in the future of the county.”
Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said farmland preservation also helps maintain opportunities for future generations of farmers and supports the county’s agricultural economy.
“Farmland preservation is ultimately about people as much as it is about land,” said Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski. “It is about families who have farmed here for generations, young farmers who want an opportunity to continue farming, and residents who want to see agriculture remain a visible and vital part of Warren County. When we preserve a farm, we are helping to protect that economic opportunity into the future.”
According to state figures cited by the county, Warren County ranks fourth among New Jersey’s 21 counties in total preserved farmland acreage and third in the number of preserved farms.
The county has reached the 30,000-acre milestone through partnerships involving the State Agriculture Development Committee, municipalities, nonprofit organizations and participating property owners.
“Thirty thousand acres is a tremendous accomplishment, but it is not the end of the story,” explained Corey Tierney, Director of the Warren County Land Preservation Department. “There are 70,000 acres of farmland in Warren County. And there are farmers thinking about the future of their farms right now. Thanks to the County Commissioners and our partners, we are making sure those landowners have the opportunity to preserve their farms if they choose,” Tierney added.
For the McEvoy family, the preservation of their property carries special significance because of their family’s longstanding involvement in agriculture and the county’s farmland preservation efforts.
“It was so important to us as a family,” Sue McEvoy said, thanking the Warren County Land Preservation Department for its work.
Charles Roohr, executive director of the State Agriculture Development Committee, attended the celebration and emphasized how uncommon it is for a New Jersey county to preserve such a large amount of agricultural land.
“I could count the number of counties that have made it to 30,000 acres on one hand,” he remarked.
When Tierney thanked Roohr for traveling from Trenton to attend the ceremony, Roohr replied, “for 30,000 acres, I’d walk here.”
Ciesla credited county employees, state officials, former county commissioners and freeholders, and participating landowners for helping Warren County achieve the milestone.
Sarnoski and Kern also emphasized that the success of the program depends on farmers voluntarily agreeing to preserve their properties. Although Warren County maintains a dedicated open space tax to support land preservation, Sarnoski said the funding alone cannot protect farmland without the cooperation of property owners.
“Without a willing seller, our money is worthless.”
Kern thanked the McEvoy family for participating in the program and helping the county reach its latest preservation milestone.
“Thank you so much for being a partner with us.”
County officials said the farmland preservation program will continue working with interested landowners to protect additional agricultural properties and ensure farming remains part of Warren County’s future.
