This bill amends existing New Jersey law regarding the definitions and permissible activities related to commercial farms and their employees. Key definitions are updated, including the criteria for what constitutes a "commercial farm," which now includes specific thresholds for agricultural production and introduces terms such as "full-time, year-round equine-related farm employee" and "resident farm employee." The bill clarifies that a resident farm employee is someone engaged in agricultural production on a full-time basis, excluding certain categories of workers, and establishes definitions for various agricultural and aquaculture-related terms.

Additionally, the bill outlines permissible activities for commercial farm owners and operators, emphasizing their rights to conduct various agricultural practices without interference from municipal or county regulations, provided they comply with state guidelines. Notably, it introduces a new section that mandates the State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practices for housing resident farm employees, ensuring that housing correlates with labor needs and complies with relevant construction codes. The bill also stipulates that municipalities cannot deny occupancy certificates for compliant housing and prohibits charging rent to resident farm employees. This legislation aims to support agricultural operations while ensuring proper housing standards for farm employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:1C-3, 4:1C-9
Advance Law: 4:1C-3, 4:1C-9
Pamphlet Law: 4:1C-3, 4:1C-9