The Three Willows Farm in Springfield has become the first farm in New Jersey to be preserved using a new state formula for calculating development value. The preservation was marked at a ceremony attended by New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn, farm owners Brian and Stacey Arzt, and officials from the state, Burlington County, and local government.
Located off Arney’s Mount Road, the 70-acre farm is owned by first-generation farmers who raise cattle and sell pasture-raised beef directly to customers. The preservation used the Statewide Preservation Formula (SFV), which appraises development rights beyond market value by considering agricultural and natural resource characteristics.
The legislation directing the State Agriculture Development Committee to create this formula was passed by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law in January 2024. The rules took effect in April.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel spoke at the event about the significance of this change. “We all agree – this formula is a game-changer for all of us hoping to preserve more of New Jersey’s remaining farmland. This is essential to keep agriculture a strong and viable industry in the Garden State,” said Commissioner Eckel. “Three Willows may be the first farm to be preserved using this new formula, but we expect more farms will soon follow.”
Eckel also noted that tentative agreements have been reached with six additional farms for entry into Burlington County’s preservation program, which would add another 741 acres to over 67,000 acres already preserved across Burlington County.
“Burlington County is where the farmland preservation program was born, and agriculture remains rooted in our county’s history, culture and the quality of life that makes our county special,” added Commissioner Eckel. “I’m proud of the work being done by our County and the State of New Jersey to keep farming alive for current and future generations.”
Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, co-sponsor of the legislation behind the new formula, said: “I’m a huge proponent of community and ensuring people can remain here and continue to thrive in New Jersey and Burlington County. This is a prime example of how we’re accomplishing that goal. The update is helping New Jersey and Burlington County have a better opportunity to save additional farmland to keep New Jersey the Garden State.”
Senator Troy Singleton also co-sponsored this legislative update. He commented: “New Jersey has a proud farming heritage that needs to be protected. Updating the funding formula was a critical step that benefits not only our farmers but all of us who enjoy healthy, Jersey Fresh foods and the beautiful landscapes associated with our farms.”
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz expressed her appreciation: “First generation farmers like Brian and Stacey Arzt are committed to keeping agriculture alive in New Jersey, and updating the preservation formula represents an investment in them and other farmers looking to safeguard New Jersey agriculture’s future.”
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. It includes 40 political subdivisions—three cities, six boroughs, and 31 townships—and operates under a Board of County Commissioners with five at-large members.
The county also features parks such as Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre site made up of forests, meadows, streams, and wetlands—and offers various programs recognizing community contributions.
