This bill amends P.L.1971, c.361 to prohibit the condemnation of farmland that is actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production when the condemnor intends to develop that property for purposes other than agricultural or horticultural production. The new legal language specifies that a condemnor cannot initiate condemnation proceedings under the eminent domain law if the property in question is being used for active farming or horticulture, thereby protecting these lands from being repurposed for non-agricultural developments.

The bill aims to support New Jersey's goal of preserving 500,000 acres of farmland, emphasizing the importance of maintaining active agricultural land for food security. It asserts that eminent domain should be reserved for public projects that benefit the community, rather than being used to facilitate private development that does not align with agricultural purposes. By narrowing the scope of eminent domain, the bill seeks to ensure that farmland remains available for agricultural use, thereby contributing to the state's food supply and agricultural sustainability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 20:3-6