(TRENTON) – Assembly Members Adam Taliaferro, Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey issued the following statements on the advancement of their bill (A-4733) out of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Thursday, which appropriates $15,000,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax (CBT) revenues to the State Agricultural Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes:
Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland): “New Jersey’s farmlands are the foundation for a strong agricultural industry and a way of life for generations of farm families. Farmland preservation is a key component for our agriculture industry to sustain itself and for it to continue to be a pillar of our state’s economy.”
Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth): “The 20 municipalities receiving grants are reliant upon the agriculture industry and must have adequate farmlands in order to thrive. These funds will allow for farmers to build upon an industry which has remained a key part of our state’s economic sector for years to come.”
Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth): “Our agriculture industry has been a way of life for generations of New Jerseyans. It is one of the backbones of New Jersey. It is our responsibility to provide the municipalities most dependent upon this industry with the resources necessary to keep our farmlands beautiful and functional.”