Assemblyman Alex Sauickie’s bill to exempt preserved farmland from the realty transfer fee when transferred to qualified beginning farmers passed the Assembly Agriculture Committee on Mar. 9.
The measure aims to encourage a new generation of farmers and support the state’s agriculture industry by reducing financial barriers for those starting out. The legislation is intended to help sustain farming in New Jersey as many current producers approach retirement age.
“New Jersey’s Farmland Preservation Program has helped protect more than 2,875 farms and 250,000 acres of farmland, but we cannot rely on that program alone to sustain the industry. We need to support our 18,500 producers and beginning farmers who are working to keep farming alive in the state, and we do that by removing barriers like cost,” Sauickie said. “Eliminating the realty transfer fee is an easy way to incentivize new farmers to follow in the footsteps of an established workforce considering a well-earned retirement.”
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, about 30 percent of New Jersey farmers are considered new or beginning farmers with less than ten years of experience, while two-thirds are aged 55 or older. The average age of a farmer in New Jersey is nearly 59 years old.
The proposed bill mirrors a provision found in Pennsylvania’s Farm Bill that waives realty transfer fees for preserved farms purchased by certified beginning farmers.
John DiMaio serves as Minority Leader in the General Assembly and represents District 23, which includes Hackettstown according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio joined the General Assembly in 2009 and began serving as Minority Leader in 2022 according to the official legislative roster. He previously served as mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 through 1999 according to the official legislative roster, was involved with Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 through 2009 according to the official legislative roster, held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012 through 2017 and Budget Officer from 2018 through 2019 according to the official legislative roster, and has worked as a legislator as noted in the official legislative roster.
