New guidebook helps farmers, local governments and the public understand New Jersey’s 'Right to Farm Act'

Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher announced that the State Agriculture Development Committee has published a “Right to Farm” guidebook to help farmers, their neighbors and municipalities understand the role of the act in resolving disputes involving commercial farms.

The guidebook explains the basics of the Right to Farm Act, including eligibility criteria, protected activities, the formal complaint process and procedures, and commonly asked questions. The publication also discusses agricultural mediation as an alternative to the formal Right to Farm dispute resolution process.

To obtain a printed copy of the Right to Farm guidebook or the SADC’s previously published agricultural mediation handbook, contact the SADC at (609) 984-2504 or sadc@ag.state.nj.us. The publications also are available on the SADC’s website at www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/publications/.

The SADC administers New Jersey’s Farmland Preservation, Right to Farm and Agricultural Mediation programs and promotes innovative approaches to maintaining the viability of agriculture.