The County Agriculture Equipment Leasing Act authorizes county agriculture development boards in New Jersey to acquire agricultural equipment and lease it to new and beginning farmers. The boards can obtain equipment through various means, including purchase, long-term lease, donation, or shared-use agreements, and may create incentive programs with established farmers to facilitate leasing privately owned equipment. The boards have the discretion to set lease terms, which may include payment schedules, maintenance obligations, and insurance requirements. Additionally, the act emphasizes prioritizing leases that support new or financially vulnerable farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve access to equipment that is otherwise too costly for individual farmers.

The bill also empowers the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), to establish programs and incentives, such as tax credits and liability protections, to encourage equipment availability for new farmers. The SADC is authorized to provide grants or financial assistance to support the acquisition or leasing of agricultural equipment, with specific guidelines for application procedures and eligibility criteria. Participating boards are required to maintain records of lease agreements and report annually to the SADC on their activities, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the leasing programs. This initiative aligns with recommendations from The Next Generation of Farming in New Jersey report, which underscores the importance of improving access to agricultural equipment for the sustainability and viability of new farming operations.