Fear Acres Of Farmlands Would Be Hit Hardest

FREEHOLD - The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has adopted a resolution strongly opposing the elimination of the State Department of Agriculture, stating that efforts to preserve acres of farmland in the county would 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 its effort to permanently preserve farmland, and the rural integrity of the area. 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."

True preservation can only successfully occur through cooperative efforts of the county, municipalities and the state.

"If the state removes itself from the process, it will abandon the farmers and the farming industry," said Clifton.

Other notable agricultural programs could also be sacrificed if the department is cut, county officials warned.

"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 fishing 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 aggressively move forward with their own farmland preservation program, expressing their desire "to preserve as many Monmouth County farms as possible."

Continued assistance from the state Department of Agriculture would go a long way towards their efforts, said Freeholder John D'Amico Jr.

"Government agencies, nonprofits, local towns and individuals are all partners in this race to preserve the farming industry," he said. "The economic future of farming rests in this decision."