Politics & Government
Farmland Preservation in Manalapan
The Agricultural Advisory Committee explains what it's about.
Members of the Manalapan Agricultural Advisory Committee held their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 12 at the .
The purpose of the Manalapan Agricultural Advisory Committee (MAAC) is to support the New Jersey Farmland Preservation program’s operations within Manalapan Township.
Land that is protected by the Farmland Preservation program can only be used for agricultural development. In its 10-year existence, MAAC has assisted in preserving 1400 acres of farmland.
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The committee informs farm landowners and township residents about the advantages of the program, as well as advises farmers of the application process, reviews applications, and advocates for farmers within the program.
State, county, and township offices all contribute to the program’s funding. Jack Eisner, a member of MAAC, said the cost to Manalapan is kept low by the joint venture.
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For Manalapan, preserving farmland means keeping the population ratio low, therefore reducing residents’ taxes.
Eisner provided an explanation. On preserved farmland, there’s a large number of acres, but only one home, one family. Farmland that is not in the program can be sold to developers. The large number of acres will accommodate more homes, effectively increasing population density.
Eisner said this type of urban development increases the need for public services, such as larger schools and additional police enforcement.
An additional benefit to the township is maintaining the scenic look which initially drew homeowners to live here.
The program benefits the state by protecting farmland from development; thus securing the continuation of agriculture. Landowners who participate in the program receive financial and other benefits. The application process takes approximately two years.
On Thursday, MAAC approved an application from a landowner to preserve 23 acres. The application will be sent to the Monmouth County Agricultural Development Board for review.
MAAC’s goal is to continue working with farmers to preserve as much land as possible. In addition, MAAC seeks to maintain public interest in the desire to stop urban sprawl.
The MAAC's meets the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in room 213 of the Manalapan Municipal Building.
Interested in preserving open space? Contact the MAAC by calling the Administration Department at 732-446-8308.
