Garden State Times

Senator Joe Pennacchio introduced legislation today to establish the Farmland Assessment Review Commission, which would annually review and recommend changes to the farmland assessment program to ensure fair and equitable allocation of benefits.

“The farmland assessment program is an important tool that not only limits over-development in our open spaces but also protects our water and food supply,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Although I support the mission of this program, there are currently more than 37,000 farmland assessed properties in New Jersey, and there is no explanation for why the number is that high. By creating this review commission, we can increase transparency for taxpayers and make sure that the rules and regulations of the program are enforced properly."

Under Pennacchio’s resolution, S-3446, the purpose of the Nine-Member Farmland Assessment Review Commission would be to regularly review and recommend appropriate updates to New Jersey's farmland assessment program. The commission would also ensure that current rules are being appropriately enforced.

“The sheer number of those taking advantage of the farmland assessment program warrants the public’s right to know if the system is being gamed,” added Pennacchio. "What type and volume of farm activity is occurring to justify the tremendous savings on property taxes experienced by those who take advantage of this program? How is the surrounding community being affected by the reduction in those property taxes? These are all things that the Farmland Assessment Review Commission will look into."

The new commission would consist of nine members, including the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of Treasury. Each appointed member would be selected by officials such as:

- The Secretary of Agriculture

- The Director of Division Taxation

- The Governor

- The Senate President

- The Speaker General Assembly

- The Senate Minority Leader

- The Minority Leader General Assembly