Governor Signs Bateman and Oroho Bills Preserving NJ Farmland

Today’s signing of bills sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and Senator Steven Oroho will protect more of the state’s dwindling agricultural land from development.

“New Jersey residents have endorsed efforts to save farms from bulldozers and preserve them for the future,” said Bateman (R-16). “Securing farmland is a priority here in the most densely populated state in the nation. Signing these laws ensures new generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the many contributions of farmers and the impact of farms and open space on the quality of life in our state.”

Bateman-sponsored legislation (S-3227) will 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).

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

Oroho’s bill (S-3225) appropriates funding to the SADC for municipal planning incentive grants for farm preservation purposes. The money is sourced from constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax revenue.

“Farms are prime targets for residential or commercial construction,” said Oroho (R-24). “The grants made possible by signing my bipartisan bill will help New Jersey towns conserve farmland and maintain the identity of their communities. State residents have demonstrated their desire to safeguard the Garden State’s farm acreage and orchards.”