Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to establish limited transfer of development rights program for permanent retirement of certain residential development rights on preserved farmland.
Impact
The introduction of this bill signifies a shift in the management of preserved farmlands, where owners are given the ability to capitalize on their assets by transferring development rights. This means landowners who may have previously been restricted from development can now find avenues for financial compensation while still contributing to the preservation of agricultural lands in New Jersey. The guidelines and regulations that will be developed in consultation with various stakeholders aim to facilitate a structured process for these transfers, ensuring that both the preservation of land and the rights of landowners are respected.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2306 aims to establish a limited transfer of development rights program specifically for owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey. The bill directs the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to create a framework that allows for the permanent retirement of certain residential development rights on farmland that has already been preserved. This program is designed to allow landowners to transfer their development rights to specific receiving areas, thereby ensuring that preserved farmland remains undeveloped while possibly generating capital for the landowners. The provisions underscore the importance of balancing agricultural sustainability with controlled development in the state.
Contention
While the intention of A2306 is to promote the preservation of farmland, there may be points of contention among various stakeholders. Farmers and agricultural advocates may be concerned that the limitations on development rights could affect their ability to manage land flexibly in the future. Conversely, environmental groups may support the bill, seeing it as a critical measure to combat urban sprawl and protect rural land. The success of this bill will likely depend on how effectively the guidelines are crafted to meet the needs of landowners while upholding the overarching goal of agricultural preservation.
Establishes restrictions and conditions for certain owners of preserved farmland to reacquire development rights for limited area of preserved farmland.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to identify farmland ineligible for county farmland preservation programs, notify owners of State requirements, and invite applications for farmland preservation under State program.
Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.
Establishes State Agriculture Development Committee program preserving farmland in danger of being developed for warehouse purposes or other high-density development projects; appropriates $50 million from Global Warming Solutions Fund.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practice for housing certain full-time employees on commercial farms, and establishes such housing as eligible for "Right to Farm" protection.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practice for housing certain full-time employees on commercial farms, and establishes such housing as eligible for "Right to Farm" protection.
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practice for housing certain full-time employees on commercial farms, and establishes such housing as eligible for "Right to Farm" protection.
Transfers Division of Food and Nutrition from Department of Agriculture to DHS; appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.