TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy has signed bipartisan legislation appropriating nearly $3.8 million to preserve farmland in New Jersey, funding projects at multiple farms through the State Agriculture Development Committee.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Parker Space, R-24, appropriates $3,750,990 for farmland preservation efforts administered by the SADC. The funding will support grants to a qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organization, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, for preservation projects at eight farms.
“By enacting this law we’re doing more than just preserving land, we’re protecting a way of life,” said Space. “As someone with strong ties to the farming community, I’ve seen firsthand how agriculture sustains our farmers, our communities, and the character of our state. Responsible stewardship of the land is why New Jersey proudly remains the Garden State.”
Under the legislation, grants may cover up to 50% of the cost to acquire development easements on farmland or up to 50% of the cost to acquire fee simple titles to farmland for resale or lease with agricultural deed restrictions approved by the SADC.
The funding is drawn from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues under the Preserve New Jersey Act, which implements a 2014 voter-approved constitutional amendment dedicating funds for open space, farmland and historic preservation. Of the total appropriation, $3,561,350 is available through the reallocation of previously appropriated funds.
The legislation also allocates $591,700 for grants to the Land Conservancy of New Jersey for three farm projects that were previously funded in fiscal year 2024.
Projects funded under the bill are located in Warren and Sussex counties, including farms in Frelinghuysen, Washington, Franklin, Blairstown, Wantage and Stillwater townships. Individual grants range from about $177,000 to more than $2 million, according to the bill.
All allocations and projects were approved by the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Garden State Preservation Trust.
