Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Impact
The provisions of A5861 relate closely to existing farmland preservation laws, such as the Agricultural Retention and Development Act and the Preserve New Jersey Act. By providing substantial financial resources to the SADC, the bill reinforces the state’s commitment to preserving agricultural lands, which may significantly contribute to maintaining local ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture. The appropriation will enable not only the acquisition of farmlands but also financial support for local initiatives aimed at improving land conservation practices.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5861, introduced on June 19, 2025, proposes the appropriation of $52,798,268 from various farmland preservation funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). This funding aims to enhance farmland preservation efforts by allowing the SADC to acquire development easements and fee simple titles to farmland, as well as providing grants to counties and municipalities for significant portions of the acquisition costs. The bill encompasses provisions for maintaining and improving preserved lands, including grants for stewardship projects involving soil and water conservation.
Contention
Although the bill has broad support among proponents of agricultural conservation, potential points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds and the oversight of the projects funded by these grants. Questions may be raised about whether the proposed funds adequately cover the needs across all regions of New Jersey and how effectively the SADC will manage the grants to ensure accountability and transparency in their use. Additionally, local stakeholders might express concerns about the impact of such appropriations on private land rights and local economies.
Same As
Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
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.
Appropriates $1.723 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $1.723 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $1.723 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.
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.
Directs Garden State Preservation Trust to perform audit of State's land preservation programs, authorizes local governments and nonprofit organizations to utilize certain constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for administrative expenses; appropriates $150,000.
Authorizes State, local, and nonprofit acquisition of fee simple titles to, and development easements on, farmland, in certain cases, for negotiated purchase prices exceeding appraised value thereof.