Farmland Preservation

Notably, in 2007 Passaic County purchased approximately fifteen acres of the historic Kuehm farm in Wayne Township, which has drawn irrigation from the Pompton River since the 1930s and is the largest remaining produce farm in both Wayne Township and Passaic County. This portion of the overall Kuehm tract has been preserved as a working farm; in addition, the county was able to replenish the Farmland Preservation portion of the Open Space Trust Fund through reimbursement of State funds from the SADC. Utilizing funds from the Farmland Preservation portion of the Trust Fund, Passaic County also purchased the development rights for Eden Farms, a greenhouse operation in West Milford. The property owner consequently used the funds to purchase another parcel within one mile of Eden Farms and expand the agricultural operation.  In September 2008 the CADB and planning board adopted the Passaic County Farmland Preservation Plan, which continues to guide agricultural preservation in the county. The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners has preserved a total of 94 acres of land in the County.

Documents:

• New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program Overview
• Farmland Preservation Plan Document (Final)
• PCADB Farmland Preservation Application

Program Overview

The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) is the New Jersey entity responsible for administering the Farmland Preservation Program, which provides grants to counties and other groups to fund the purchase of development easements on farmland, directly purchases farms and development easements from landowners, and provides grants to landowners for soil and water conservation projects. The SADC also oversees the Transfer of Development Rights Bank and promotes innovation in agricultural practices through the Right to Farm Program and the Farm Link Program.

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