27-Acre East Brunswick Farm Acquired By Township, County For Preservation

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The township along with Middlesex County acquired 27 acres of farmland in East Brunswick through the Farmland Preservation Program on July 28, the County announced.

The County, in partnership with the state and East Brunswick, purchased the development rights for the farmland located on Dutch Road, owned by the estate of the late Ernest Bergfelder, of East Brunswick. The total cost of the farmland was $525,996.

The state contributed $315,597.60, the County paid $105,199.20, and East Brunswick paid $105,199.20 toward the purchase.

“With almost 100 acres of preserved farmland already in East Brunswick, I am proud to partner with Middlesex County to add another 27 acres,” Mayor Brad Cohen said.

“East Brunswick prioritizes and values the preservation of open space to maintain and improve the quality of life now and for generations to come.”

With the purchase of this farm, more than 5,527 acres of farmland have been preserved throughout the County, of which 3,814 acres have been specifically preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program.

"The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to conserving the natural beauty of our County, as exemplified by the vast expanse of protected farmland and open space spanning thousands of acres," Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said.

"By placing land preservation at the forefront, we take the initial stride toward guaranteeing a sustainable and abundant food supply for generations to come."

Through the Farmland Preservation Program, Middlesex County purchases the non-agriculture development rights on farmland that meets criteria established by the Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board and the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee.

The value of the land is then determined by two independent appraisals, and the farmland is preserved by placing an agriculture preservation easement on the property.

The state, County, and municipality share the cost of the farms’ development rights, with the state contributing much of the purchase price.

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