This bill amends existing New Jersey agricultural law to clarify definitions and permissible activities related to commercial farms and their employees. Key definitions are updated, including the terms "commercial farm," "full-time, year-round equine-related farm employee," and "resident farm employee." The bill specifies that a "commercial farm" can include beekeeping operations and outlines the criteria for farm markets and shellfish aquaculture management units. Additionally, it introduces a new section that mandates the State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practices for housing resident farm employees, ensuring that the amount of housing correlates with labor needs on the farm.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that municipalities cannot deny or withhold certificates of occupancy for housing that complies with the established agricultural management practices. It also emphasizes that housing for resident farm employees must be used solely for that purpose and prohibits charging rent to these employees. The bill aims to support agricultural operations while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards, thereby promoting the agricultural sector in New Jersey.

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