Agriculture - Cape Atlantic Soil Conservation District

preserving farmlands in the State of New Jersey

Agriculture Farmland Program

The State of New Jersey Agriculture Retention and Development Act, enacted in 1981,
aims to protect and preserve farmlands for future generations.

Agriculture is vital to the state’s economy and the well-being of its citizens, but suburban development has significantly threatened and reduced prime agricultural land, especially in the Cape Atlantic Conservation District. To combat this, the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC) was established within the Department of Agriculture to oversee farmland preservation programs, provide guidance, and approve funding for the purchase of development easements.

The County Agriculture Development Board (CADB) works alongside the SADC and includes farmers and resource professionals committed to retaining farmland at the county level. Together, they administer two main programs under the Farmland Preservation Program.

8-Year Program

The 8-Year Program allows farmers to deed-restrict their land for eight years. Although currently unfunded for new projects, this program historically provided financial incentives for conservation practices.

Benefits of the Program

Farmers received payments based on the number of acres deed-restricted:
- $600 per acre for the first 50 acres.
- $200 per acre for the next 50 acres.
- $100 per acre for any additional acreage.
- Maximum payment: $50,000.
Farmers participating in municipally approved programs gain protection from nuisance complaints, emergency rationing (fuel and water), zoning changes, and eminent domain actions.

Conservation Practices

Examples of soil and water conservation practices supported through this program include:

Irrigation systems (e.g., wells, drip irrigation).
Underground mainlines.
Waterways and drainage improvements.

The Cape Atlantic Conservation District is optimistic about the restoration of funding for this program to continue supporting local farmers.

sell easements on farmland for agricultural use

Easement Purchase Program

The Easement Purchase Program enables farmers to sell development easements on their land, permanently preserving it for agricultural use.

Process Overview

Offer and Decision: Landowners receive an offer based on the certified value and may choose to accept or reject it.
Application Submission: Farmers apply to the County Agricultural Development Board (CADB).
Appraisals: The county conducts two appraisals of the land.
Certification: The SADC reviews the appraisals and certifies a per-acre easement value.

Pinelands Agricultural Production Zone

For land within the Pinelands Agricultural Production Zone, easement values are determined using two methods:

Farmers can choose the higher value from the two methods.

Appraisal-Based Value: As described above.
Formula-Based Value: A calculation by the SADC.

Farmland Assessment Maps

The Cape Atlantic Conservation District utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed farmland assessment maps. These maps integrate various data layers, including aerial photographs, soil classifications, wetlands, topography, streets, and tax information, for Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

Features of Farmland Assessment Maps

Delineation of farm boundaries on aerial photographs.
Inclusion of block and lot information.
Breakdown of total acreage based on soil type and classification.

These maps are valuable tools for submitting farmland assessments to municipal tax officials. For more information or to request a map, please contact the District Office.

The Farmland Preservation Program is essential to protecting New Jersey’s agricultural heritage. By participating in these programs, farmers help ensure that farmlands remain productive and available for future generations, contributing to the state’s economy and environmental health.

For more information, to Apply for the 8-Year Program or Easement Purchase Program, or to request a map, Call 609-625-3144 or contact the District Office