The Burlington County Commissioners approved a change in March that will eliminate the requirement for municipalities to contribute local funds toward most future farmland preservation deals.
This policy adjustment is intended to reduce financial pressure on towns while maintaining the county’s commitment to preserving agricultural land. Previously, municipalities were required to pay between 5% and 20% of the cost to preserve a farm, a rule established when county resources were more limited.
Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said the updated rules would help towns save money without slowing down preservation efforts. “More than 67,000 acres of farmland in Burlington County has been permanently preserved because of the support from the federal government, State of New Jersey, county taxpayers and our local partners,” Eckel said. “Burlington County municipalities alone have now contributed in total more than $15 million to help preserve over 200 farms. We are forever grateful for this support, but we believe it’s no longer necessary for towns to contribute a local share. This rule change allows us to continue preserving farmland without impacting municipal budgets and taxes.”
The new approach is possible because New Jersey now covers up to 80% of preservation costs following an update in the state’s formula for valuing development rights. Assemblywoman Andrea Katz said, “Preserving more farmland benefits the entire state, so it makes sense that the state should shoulder a greater share of the expense. Kudos to the Burlington County Commissioners for deciding to use the increased State support to waive the local cost share to ease the burden faced by local property taxpayers.”
Since these changes took effect, interest among farmers has grown. The county finalized two farm preservations totaling about 197 acres and reached tentative agreements with owners of another ten farms covering more than 1,400 acres. Additionally, last summer saw New Jersey close on preserving Three Willows Farm in Springfield.
Commissioner Randy Brolo said, “The Farmland Preservation Program is one of Burlington County’s biggest success stories and we are excited by the recent changes and the interest it’s generating among farmers. Preservation doesn’t just benefit the farmers. It benefits all our residents and surrounding communities. We want to keep the momentum going, while reducing the costs to our municipalities and property taxpayers.”
Burlington County encompasses 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county includes three cities, six boroughs and thirty-one townships within its forty political subdivisions according to its official website. The Board of County Commissioners consists of five at-large members with Eve Cullinan serving as county administrator according to its official website. The region also features Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre site with forests, meadows, streams and wetlands—and recognizes community contributions through programs such as Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards according to its official website. The Burlington County Library System aims “to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth and personal development” according to its official website.
