FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 29, 2008

Freeholders oppose eliminating NJ Dept of Agriculture
County farmland preservation program would be compromised

FREEHOLD - The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has adopted a resolution strongly opposing the elimination of the State Department of Agriculture and stating that efforts to preserve acres of farmland in Monmouth County will be adversely affected by the proposed closing of the department.

“Farmland preservation is an important issue in Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “Monmouth County’s farmland preservation program reached an important milestone by permanently preserving its 10,000th acre of farmland in 2007 and by the year’s end, there were over 11,000 acres preserved. We shouldn’t stop now!”

The County has been the lead agency in securing the 143 farms that are part of Monmouth County’s effort to permanently preserve farms. The county coordinates the funding and paperwork between farmers, the State, municipalities and not-for profit partners.

“No one agency can do it alone,” said Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton. “Many agencies and organizations are involved in the race to preserve farmland. Together, we are responsibly securing our farmlands – if the State removes itself from the process, it will abandon the farmers and the farming industry.”

“Jersey Fresh and Jersey Grown will be history if the State’s Department of Agriculture is eliminated,” Freeholder William C. Barham said. “The department supports our fields and orchards and our important fi shing industry. We need to keep these industries alive and prosperous.”

“Our drive and commitment to protect farmland is part of the county’s overall open space preservation program,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow. “Farmland protection furthers the county’s efforts to protect watersheds and manage growth.”

In adopting the resolution, the Freeholders also affirmed its intention to move forward with their aggressive farmland preservation program, to preserve as many Monmouth County farms as possible, and that it needs help from the state Department of Agriculture.

“Government agencies, nonprofits, local towns and individuals are all partners in this race to preserve the farming industry,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr. “The economic future of farming rests in this decision.”

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