summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that a person may hold an agriculture-related event on preserved farmland if the owner of the land first obtains a permit from the county agriculture development board to hold such an event. The bill defines "agriculture-related event" as a festival or other event taking place once or a few times in a year on a specific day or specific consecutive days featuring an activity or group of activities highlighting an agricultural or horticultural practice or product implemented or grown on a farm. These events may include, but are not limited to, hay bale races, flower shows, pumpkin tossing and "punkin chunkin" festivals, tractor pulls, and similar activities. The bill also provides that the county agriculture development board may issue an agriculture-related event permit to the owner of preserved farmland in the county if: 1) no more than four permits are issued for the farm per year; and 2) the event only temporarily disturbs the use of the land for agricultural or horticultural purposes, and does not interfere with the use of the land for those purposes after the event has concluded. The bill specifies that holding an agriculture-related event for which a permit has been issued shall not be considered a violation of any agricultural deed restriction for farmland preservation on the land if the person holding the event complies with the terms and conditions of the permit as it was issued.
AI Summary
This bill allows for agriculture-related events, such as festivals or competitions highlighting farming practices or products like hay bale races or pumpkin festivals, to be held on preserved farmland, which is land protected from development through conservation easements. To hold such an event, the owner of the preserved farmland must first obtain a permit from their county agriculture development board, a local entity responsible for promoting agriculture. The board can issue a permit if no more than four such events are held on the farm annually, and the event only temporarily disrupts agricultural or horticultural use of the land without causing lasting interference. Importantly, holding an approved agriculture-related event will not be considered a violation of any deed restrictions meant to preserve the farmland, as long as the event adheres to the permit's conditions.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S353 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/353_I1.HTM |
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