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America is losing 1.2 million acres of farmland annually, much of it our best and most productive farmland near where most Americans live. The percentage of agricultural land lost to development in New Jersey is greater than any other state in the country.
Last November, Americans across the country shouted-out a resounding YES for farmland and all the benefits it provides, approving funding for more than $525 million worth of state and local measures that include farm and ranch land protection. According to the Trust for Public Land, 74 percent of incentive-based initiatives (34 out of 46) passed — including approval by seven New Jersey localities to increase property taxes to match state funds for farmland and open space protection.
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| Photo: Burlington County Farmland Protection Program |
Burlington County has one of the state’s strongest agricultural economies—ranking first in number of farms over 1,000 acres—along with a nationally recognized farmland preservation program. Yet, this historic county's farms continue to be threatened by competing residential and commercial development. We're helping the county turn the challenges of high land values and conflicts at the urban-rural interface into opportunities for direct marketing, value-added products and a vibrant local food and farming system by:
- Identifying municipal barriers that hinder local farmers' ability to connect directly with local consumers
- Creating model ordinances that support a local food system and protects farmers from rural-urban conflicts
- Researching ways to increase low income populations access to local food at programs at farmers markets.
 Congratulations to the loyal customers who helped the Collingsood Farmers Market earn the designation as top small-sized market in our nationwide contest. The market began ten years ago as an all-volunteer effort of Proud Neighbors of Collingswood, launched at a time when South Jersey farmers were reluctant to give the community market concept a try. Today, many of the original family farmers from the first season are still bringing weekly harvests, and the market is an established part of the community. The contest promoted farmers markets while underscoring the importance of protecting farmland and supporting farms and farmers to ensure the availability of fresh, local food.
Agriculture & Environment: Protecting our natural resources
 In collaborating with farmers, environmentalists, and policy makers, our Agriculture and Environment initiative protects water quality and reduces climate change while improving the economic viability of farming.
- Take action to support the BMP Challenge and help farmers decrease nitrogen applications and reduce fertilizer contamination of local watersheds.
- Send an AFT eCard and inspire family and friends to protect the environment.
Growing Local: Connecting Farms and Food
Every day we are losing important urban-edge farmland that supplies 91% of fruits and 78% of vegetables to the United States. Our Growing Local campaign builds healthy communities by protecting local farm and ranch land and supporting access to fresh, local food.
Contact Us
Mid-Atlantic Field Office
Jim Baird
Mid-Atlantic States Director
1200 18th Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
(p) 202-378-1235 (f)
202-659-8339
jbaird@farmland.org
To learn more about agriculture in your state, visit the New Jersey state profile page at the Farmland Information Center.
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Voting for Farmland
