This bill amends the existing regulations under the Preserve New Jersey Act to increase the cap on grants available for farmland stewardship activities from $20,000 to $100,000 per application. It overrides any conflicting provisions in current law, including those established by the State Agriculture Development Committee, which previously limited grant amounts to $200 per acre and a total of $20,000 per application. The bill aims to address the rising costs associated with farmland stewardship activities, which include essential projects like soil and water conservation, installation of deer fencing, and other improvements necessary for maintaining preserved farmland.

By raising the grant cap, the bill seeks to enable farmers to undertake larger-scale stewardship projects that are critical for the repair and enhancement of preserved lands. This change is particularly important as inflation and other economic factors have made these stewardship activities increasingly expensive, potentially hindering farmers' ability to maintain the health and productivity of their preserved farmland. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.