Morris County
Agriculture Development Board |
The Right to Farm Act was passed by the State Legislature in 1983. Its purpose
was to promote the continuation of agriculture in the State of New Jersey while
recognizing the potential conflicts among all lawful activities in the State.
The Act was amended in 1998. The Legislature’s intent when amending the Act, was
to afford the farmer additional protection against municipal regulations and
private nuisance suits. The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC)
administers the State Right to Farm Program. County Agriculture Development Boards administer
the program at the County level.
The amended Act states that notwithstanding the provisions of any municipal or
county ordinance, resolution, or regulation to the contrary, the owner or
operator of a commercial farm is permitted to conduct
agricultural activities listed in the Act, provided that
the farm meets the eligibility criteria of the Act.
The amended Act assigned new responsibilities to the CADBs. These responsibilities
include administration of the Conflict Resolution Process and development of site specific
agricultural management practices (AMPs) for eligible farms.