FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2008

County releases draft Farmland Preservation Plan
Public hearing scheduled for May 19

FREEHOLD – A public hearing on the draft Monmouth County Farmland Preservation Plan, which addresses preserving the county’s remaining farmland and maintaining a viable agricultural industry, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 19, in the Monmouth County Planning Board Conference Room on the second floor of the Hall of Records’ Annex.

The objective of the plan is to guide farmland preservation in the county, economic development, natural resource conservation and agricultural industry sustainability, retention and promotion. The plan sets preservation goals in one-, five- and 10-year increments and lays out project areas that will be the focus of easement acquisition efforts. 

 “Farmland is an irreplaceable natural resource and it is a significant component of the county’s economy,” said Freeholder John D’Amico, liaison to the Planning Board. “I encourage everyone to attend the public hearing and to learn how farming positively affects the county’s economy and environment while maintaining the area’s unique character.” 

The previous Farmland Preservation Plan was last adopted in 2000. As an adopted element of the Monmouth County Growth Management Guide, the Farmland Preservation Plan will define the future of the county’s agricultural industry, shape the physical development of the county and maintain the high quality of life enjoyed by its residents.

“We have permanently protected more than 11,000 acres of farmland while, at the same time, thousands of farmable acres were lost forever to development,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “This plan will help prioritize the county’s ongoing land preservation efforts and keep farming in Monmouth County viable.” 

In keeping with State Agricultural Development Committee guidelines, the plan addresses the county’s agricultural land base, agricultural industry and land use planning. 

“The future of farming, the economy and the environment concerns all of us, especially those who live and work in the county,” said Freeholder John D’Amico Jr. This plan was created by the Monmouth County Planning Board and the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board.

For more information, contact Harriet Honigfeld at 732-431-7460 or download the Plan from the Monmouth County Planning Board Web site at www.monmouthplanning.com 

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