State lawmakers advanced legislation last week that would create a new nine-member Farmland Assessment Review Commission to oversee requirements for claiming the state’s sometimes-contentious farmland tax break.
The legislation would determine the number of acres needed to receive the benefit and other specific requirements around a property’s agricultural or horticultural use, including total sales of crops or livestock.
“The Farmland Assessment Review Commission will examine the level of farm activity required to justify property tax reductions and assess the impact that those benefits have on surrounding communities,” said state Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco (R-Morris), a lead sponsor. “Our goal is to ensure the program remains true to its original intent and is safeguarded from exploitation.”
The tax breaks first began in the 1960s to preserve farmland as land values around New Jersey started increasing. But now, legislators are concerned that the tax benefit is being misused and lacks transparency. Among those participating in the program are President-elect Donald Trump for his Bedminster golf club, former Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, and former NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett.
“The farmland assessment program is an essential tool that preserves open spaces and safeguards our water and food supplies,” said Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris), also a sponsor. “While I wholeheartedly support the mission of this program, the existence of more than 37,000 assessed properties raises serious questions about the program’s integrity. Establishing a review commission would address these concerns, ensure proper enforcement of regulations, and provide much-needed transparency for taxpayers.”
The bill’s sponsors appear to have bipartisan support in the Senate, but the bill hasn’t seen any movement in the Assembly since it was first introduced in September.
