TRENTON – The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senators Shirley K. Turner and Michael Testa to allocate $34 million in constitutionally dedicated funds to preserve farmland across the state. The measure represents a major step forward in protecting New Jersey’s agricultural heritage and ensuring a strong future for farming communities.

The legislation, S-4524, directs the funding to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), which will distribute planning incentive grants to counties. These grants will cover up to 80 percent of the cost to acquire development easements on farmland, helping to ensure the land remains actively used for agriculture and protected from commercial or residential development.

“The Senate’s passage of this bill reinforces our commitment to protecting the farmland that defines so much of New Jersey’s history and identity,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “Preserving agricultural land is not just about open space. It is about protecting the livelihoods of farming families, maintaining local food production, and keeping the Garden State green and thriving for generations to come.”

The bill also authorizes the use of funds from the General Fund that are already constitutionally dedicated to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund. This ensures the SADC can fully implement the grant program and accelerate preservation efforts in high-priority areas across the state.

Under the approved legislation, five counties including Burlington, Cumberland, Gloucester, Monmouth, and Somerset will each receive a base grant ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. These counties along with ten others will also be eligible to compete for additional funding through a statewide competitive grant program with potential awards of up to $7.5 million per county.

The bill passed in a 39-0 vote.