Princeton NJ Local Farms Announcements

Freiman & Mukherji Bill Allowing Preserved Farms to Host Special Events

(TRENTON) – Legislation to support New Jersey’s agricultural community by allowing commercial farms to host special occasion events was signed into law on Friday. The measure, sponsored by Assembly Democrats Roy Freiman and Raj Mukherji, grants farmers permission to host weddings, lifetime milestone celebrations, and other social or cultural events on preserved farmland.

Under the law (formerly bill A-2772/S-757), all events held on preserved farmland must be designed to protect the land and ensure it can be returned to productive agriculture or horticulture use after the event.

Upon the bill becoming law, Assemblymen Freiman (D-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) and Mukherji (D-Hudson) issued the following joint statement:

“This law gives farmers in New Jersey the opportunity to supplement their income by hosting special events on their land. Agritourism is a growing industry and, by allowing our farmers to participate, we make it possible for them to expand their businesses, grow the economy and showcase that which makes New Jersey’s agricultural community special. Further, it provides access to farms and farmland, allowing all to enjoy the beauty of nature, and gives insight into the challenges and rewards farmers encounter in growing the food we consume.

“By finding a balance between protecting preserved farmland and giving farmers in the Garden State the ability to host events, we can introduce new streams of income to the farming industry without compromising agricultural production.”

Signaling support for the law, John Lima, owner of Lima Family Farms in Hillsborough, New Jersey, says, “Allowing special occasion events on preserved farmland, including my own Lima Farms, is going to help farmers across the state generate additional income. This new law gives us the opportunity to welcome neighbors and visitors alike to use our sprawling open spaces as the perfect backdrop for special events in their lives. I am proud of the work Assemblyman Freiman has done as Chair of the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee to help farmers like me in a post-pandemic economy."