Bill Text: NJ A5182 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Establishes NJ Century Farm Program.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-08-24 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [A5182 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-A5182-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman BOB ANDRZEJCZAK
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
Assemblyman ERIC HOUGHTALING
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblyman ADAM J. TALIAFERRO
District 3 (Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)
SYNOPSIS
Establishes NJ Century Farm Program.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act establishing the New Jersey Century Farm Program and supplementing Title 4 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The Department of Agriculture shall establish the New Jersey Century Farm Program.
b. The New Jersey Century Farm Program shall publicly recognize farms that:
(1) have been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, as verified through deeds, wills, abstracts, tax statements, or other similar legal documents considered appropriate by the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(2) include at least 10 acres of the original holding or generate gross income of over $1,000 annually from the sale of agricultural or horticultural products.
c. The secretary shall make such commemorations of Century Farms on an annual basis in such a manner as the secretary deems appropriate, and shall take into consideration the cultural, historical, and agricultural significance of each farm in doing so.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes the New Jersey Century Farm Program, a program under which the State would officially recognize legacy farms that have been owned by the same family for at least 100 years.
New Jersey has a robust farming history and has long appreciated the invaluable contribution farms have made to this State, nation, and the planet. Legacy farming in particular enriches the State's rural heritage and traditions, and is a testament to the State's vibrant history. These farms speak to the durability and love of the land that forms an important and unique part of New Jersey's cultural tapestry, and serve the purposes of historical preservation, cultural enrichment, and vital agricultural production. Over 30 states have established Century or Centennial Farm designations and awards, and the State of New Jersey should have a process for the continual recognition of Century Farms as a means to celebrate the families that have contributed to the State's long and prosperous farming history.
In order to qualify as a Century Farm, the bill requires that (1) the same family has owned the farm for at least 100 years, and (2) the present parcel includes at least 10 acres of the original farm, or the property produces over $1,000 gross income per year in agricultural or horticultural products. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to make such commemorations of Century Farms on an annual basis in such a manner as the secretary deems appropriate, taking into consideration each farm's cultural, historical, and agricultural significance.
