BODINE/PANTER LAW PROVIDES $15 MILLION FOR FARMLAND PRESERVATION EFFORTS

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Francis L. Bodine and Michael J. Panter sponsored to provide over $15 million in grants for farmland preservation in seven counties was ceremoniously signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

"The preservation of farmland is key to ensuring a viable future for agriculture in New Jersey and quality open space for future generations of our residents," said Bodine (D-Moorestown).  "This new law will allow the state to hold the line on runaway development while protecting New Jersey's rich
agricultural roots in dozens of communities across the state."

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country with a reported loss of 50 acres of farmland a day. Preservationists argue that limiting urban sprawl and arresting the line of development will help safeguard open space for future generations.

Proponents also say that farmland preservation protects water and soil resources and helps provide an abundance of locally grown farm products.
"The preservation of critical farmland parcels is important to our state's environment and the quality of life in dozens of communities," said Panter (D-Monmouth/Middlesex). "The money we are spending today will provide dividends for generations of state residents."

Under the measure (A-4261), $15.375,000 will be allocated from the Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to provide counties and municipalities with grants for the preservation of farmland.

The allocations and projects listed in the farmland measure were approved earlier this year by the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC) and the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT).

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