NO MORE GARDEN STATE?

The recent proposal to eliminate the Department of Agriculture (NJDA) both saddens and scares me. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a former employee of the Department, so it does hold a special place in my heart. As a planner though, I am deeply concerned about the social, economic and environmental repercussions of this decision.

The elimination of the NJDA may very well be the last nail in the coffin of the agricultural industry in NJ. Not to sound melodramatic or alarmist, but this is an emotional issue to farmers. Farming and the number of farmers is on the decline in NJ. We have seen an increase in the average age of farmers. This is indicative of a younger generation that is either not entering their parents’ chosen trade, or starting their businesses out of state because they cannot afford land in NJ. Moreover, sprawling development has caused some farmers to flee NJ for areas where neighbors do not complain about the smells, noises and slow moving tractors associated with agriculture. The NJDA helps maintain the industry through marketing, research, promotion and advocacy.

The devolution of the NJDA’s functions to various other Departments will disintegrate the State’s ability to assist the agricultural community. That is not to say that the other Departments do not do their jobs well, but through its various functions, the NJDA fulfills a mission to promote and preserve the agricultural industry. None of the other Departments are focused on this specific mission; therefore, the NJDA’s functions will have less weight (and may even be lost) among the subsuming Departments’ other tasks. The NJDA provides a voice to farmers. Without that voice, farmers and their industry will get lost in the bureaucracy of the state.

Some might argue that no other single industry has a whole Department dedicated to its promotion and preservation. No other single industry, however, is so intrinsically linked to the land. The loss of any other industry leaves vacant buildings that can be reused or redeveloped. The loss of the agricultural industry leaves vacant land that, without a proper steward, will likely become more buildings. There is still over 1 million acres of farmland in New Jersey, which constitutes 50% of the remaining undeveloped lands and 20% of the state’s total land base. While approximately 164,000 of that has been preserved through the sale of development rights, and some may not be developable due to environmental constraints, a significant amount of agricultural land still remains fodder for development.

There are also fiscal impacts associated with the loss of agricultural lands and the associated industry. Unlike other land uses, agriculture uses less in services than it pays in taxes, making it a positive ratable. Accordingly, there would be a reverberating fiscal impact of this potential land conversion. Moreover, agriculture generates millions of dollars in payroll taxes from the $200 million worth of hired labor industry-wide. Cash receipts from farm commodities were $924 million in 2006, which ultimately generates a multi-billion dollar impact on the state’s economy.

In addition to supporting a critical NJ industry, the NJDA plays an important role in advancing sustainable practices. As planners, we often call upon the NJDA to advocate for smart growth principals in rural areas. The staff of the NJDA is respected and trusted by farmers and local government officials. Despite best intentions, other state agencies often get a chilly reception in rural communities. In losing the NJDA, we are losing an important ally in the pursuit of smart growth. Moreover, the NJDA does more than just assist rural communities. It promotes the regional sale of farm commodities through the Jersey Fresh program, coordinates farmers markets, and connects local produce to schools and prisons. Enhancing local markets reduces transportation needs, and thus, reduces energy consumption. Moreover, local markets encourage social interaction. They also bring fresh produce to urban areas and at-risk populations, thus advancing public health goals.

The NJDA provides many benefits to the agricultural industry and rural communities, as well as NJ citizens and consumers. Its initiatives promote public health and enhance quality of life. The cost savings of eliminating the NJDA has recently been estimated at about $250,000. While predictions of the industry’s demise may not come true, the quality of the services the NJDA currently provides will certainly decline when decentralized among several Departments. In my opinion, keeping the “garden” in the Garden State far outweighs a $250,000 budgetary savings.

The President’s Corner reflects the President’s opinion and not necessarily that of the APA-NJ Executive Committee or APA-NJ membership.

The President can be contacted at pres@njapa.org.