Nomination Process

Farmland preservation nominations are submitted to the Ocean County Agriculture Development Board (OCADB) and reviewed by staff for eligibility.

• Nominations are ranked according to formula adopted by the State Agriculture Development Board (SADC), which considers such things as farm size, soil type, tillable acres, land uses surrounding the property and local government commitment to agriculture. Farms recommended by the Ocean County Agriculture Development Board will be forwarded to the Natural Lands Trust Fund Committee and BCF for preliminary approval.
• Two separate appraisal reports are done to determine the value of the farm developed verses the existing agricultural value of the land and these reports are certified by the SADC.
• Applicants approved by the OCADB and the SADC are informed of the development easement values and are then asked to decide whether or not to accept the offer.
• The Freeholders will hold a public hearing prior to committing funding to preserve the farms.
• Unfortunately, the application process is lengthy often taking up to two years to complete. However, once completed, participating landowners are paid the difference between the value of the property fully developed vs. its agricultural value providing them with the capital to expand their existing operations; eliminate or reduce their debt load; or further their estate or retirement planning.

• NJ State Agriculture Development Committee
• NJ Department of Agriculture
  Farmland Preservation Program
• Visit NJ Farms