Haines: Farmland Preservation Program Can't Be Allowed to Die

Senator Phil Haines said this after hearing Agriculture Commissioner Douglas Fisher testify before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee that no money is available for purchasing farmland for preservation:

"These are tough times," Senator Haines said. "I understand that this year, the budget needs to be as lean as we can make it.

'That doesn't mean we shouldn't start planning now to revive vital programs when the economy recovers. Farmland preservation should be at the top of the list for resources when times are better. Purchases of land in the sensitive Highlands region in particular should be financed as quickly as the economy allows.

"New Jersey residents have always supported bond issues dedicated to preserving the thousands of acres of breathtakingly beautiful open space in this state. Now is the time to plan a bond issue that will allow the state to gradually ramp up purchases of vacant land when the economy begins to improve.

"New Jersey's farmland preservation program has been a model for the nation. Tens of thousand of acres have been set aside for future generations. Surely, even in the midst of tough economic times, we can make ready for that great day when we revive a program that does so much to improve the environment and quality of life in New Jersey.

"A three-year bonding plan would help meet the worthy goal of preserving 400, 000 acres, ensuring ample land is available to sustain farming in New Jersey today and far into the future. I urge my colleagues to join me in preparing the state for this bond issue, which I hope will be completed as soon as the economic crisis allows."

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