TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Jim Beach and Jeff Van Drew which would appropriate funds for farmland preservation projects around the State was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.
“Farmland preservation grants help local farmers to cultivate and acquire land, at no additional cost to taxpayers” said Senator Beach, D-Camden. “As local populations increase, so will the amount of space needed for open space, crops and farmland preservation. These grants will enable New Jersey’s farmers to use existing funds to continue growing the high quality produce for which our state is known.”
The Senators’ measure, S-2713 would appropriate $49.6 million from the “2007 Farmland Preservation Fund” to be used for planning incentive grants, farmland development and preservation.
“Some of our rural towns rely on the profits made from the agricultural industry for the bulk of their income,” said Senator Van Drew, D-Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic. “The funding appropriated through this legislation would ease the burden on New Jersey’s farmers, while boosting the local economies of our rural towns.”
This measure now heads to the Assembly for consideration.
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