Senate approves bill to fund farmland preservation, stewardship projects in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation that would provide nearly $65 million for farmland preservation and agricultural stewardship projects across the state.
The bill, S-4425, is sponsored by Sen. Parker Space, R-Morris, Sussex, Warren. It would appropriate funding through the State Agriculture Development Committee to support farmland preservation, stewardship projects and administrative costs tied to preservation efforts.
“Agriculture is woven into New Jersey’s identity and if we want to keep the Garden in Garden State, we must continue investing in the farmers who feed our communities and keep our farmland productive,” said Senator Space. “Every acre we save today helps preserve the open spaces that define our state and protects New Jersey’s agricultural heritage for future generations.”
The legislation includes $56.6 million for preserving farmland through the acquisition of development easements. It also includes $2.6 million for stewardship projects, such as deer fencing and soil and water conservation, and $5.5 million for administrative expenses associated with preservation efforts.
As of April 2026, 2,925 farms totaling approximately 254,968 acres had been preserved under the State Agriculture Development Committee’s farmland preservation program.
The bill now moves forward for further consideration in the Legislature.
