Bateman Farmland Preservation Bills Advance to Governor’s Desk

Additional Acreage Will Be Protected from Urban Sprawl

More of the state’s dwindling agricultural land would be protected from development under a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and by both houses of the Legislature today.

“In the nation’s most densely populated state, the preservation of farmland is vital,” said Bateman (R-16). “New Jerseyans have overwhelmingly supported efforts to save farms from development, recognizing the importance of agriculture to our state legacy. This legislation will allow future generations to appreciate the many contributions of farmers and the impact of farms and open space on the quality of life in our communities.”

Bateman-sponsored legislation (S-3227) would help a series of qualifying nonprofit organizations complete projects for a dozen farms with voter-approved funding from the Corporation Business tax, and (S-3226) appropriate money for farmland preservation purposes to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC).

“When farmland is preserved, it helps protect our water supply, continues the Garden State’s farming traditions, and limits over-development,” Bateman said. “These bills represent an investment in New Jersey’s future that will pay dividends for generations to come.”