Backer Farm Moves Forward In Brewery License Application In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — After months of anticipation, a local preserved farm that hopes to convert its dairy barn into a farm-based brewery is finally moving one step closer to that goal.

Backer Farm has been seeking permission to establish a brewery operation on their property, which currently has produce and livestock. The farm's plan was approved by the Mendham Township Zoning Board of Adjustment in Feb. 2022 with a 5-2 vote.

Following zoning approval, one of Backer Farm's next steps is a public hearing in front of the Morris County Agricultural Development Board to have its Site Specific Agricultural Management Practice application heard, according to Frank Pinto, Backer Farm's project manager and project spokesperson.

After months of waiting, the first public hearing date has finally arrived.

On Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m., Backer Farm will present its application to the Morris County Agricultural Development Board. According to Pinto, this could be the first of several meetings, as the public hearing may take some time.

The purpose of the meeting will be for Backer Farm to provide an overview of the application and introduce their witnesses, which will be Pinto.

Following the zoning approval, several Mendham residents expressed concerns about potential noise, overflow parking, and the possibility of late hours. These items are all expected to be addressed at the public hearing.

“We’ve taken great care in all aspects of the application process for our farm-based brewery project, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Mendham and Morris County to ensure our project reflects our multigenerational commitment to our community and neighbors,” said Fred Backer of the family-owned farm in a previous statement.

According to Backer, the farm will grow crops for beer production and will brew and package the beer on-site. The dairy barn will have indoor and outdoor public areas where customers can learn about the beer-making process, tour the farm, sample beer, and buy beer for on- or off-site consumption.

Backer Farm, which is applying for a Limited Brewery License, would be subject to the new restrictions imposed by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

ABC imposed several restrictions on breweries, including limiting on-site events and requiring establishments to only allow patrons to consume their products on-site if they have taken a brewery tour. "Within the public portion of the brewery, each customer will be able to view the brewing equipment and information on the brewing process in accordance with ABC licensing regulations and may discuss the brewing process with trained staff," Backer said.

"Our farm has evolved since our beginning almost a century ago," Backer said "Agriculture is a constantly changing industry. We continue to evolve as the market for our products and services changes over time. Our planned farm-based brewery is just another way we are meeting the demands and addressing the current market trends in agriculture."

To view Backer Farm's application on the county's website, click here and here for the County Agriculture Development Board meeting agendas and schedule.