 VINELAND -
Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus today announced
that a total of 10,000 acres of farmland have been
preserved to date in Cumberland County -- a milestone
achievement in efforts by the State and county to protect
and strengthen agriculture and curb sprawl.
"By preserving this farmland, we are helping
to ensure that farming will always be a way of life
in Cumberland County," said Secretary Kuperus,
who chairs the State Agriculture Development Committee. "Earth
Day is the perfect time to recognize this achievement
that will protect a finite natural resource - our farmland
- and the quality of life in our communities for generations
to come."
The announcement was made at a 30-acre vegetable
farm in Vineland owned by Angelo and Rita Spadoni.
The preservation of the Spadoni farm last month helped
Cumberland County reach the 10,000-acre farmland preservation
milestone.
To date, 68 farms covering 10,139 acres have been
permanently preserved in Cumberland County. Of the
total $16.8 million cost to purchase development rights
on these farms, the State has contributed $13 million
or 78 percent of the cost.
Cumberland County ranks first in the state in total
value of agricultural products sold, according to the
most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture. In 1997, the
total value of Cumberland County agricultural products
sold was $94.1 million.
The top five agricultural commodities in Cumberland
County, by sales, are vegetables, sweet corn and melons
(Cumberland County leads the state in these commodities,
with $44.2 million in sales in 1997); nursery and greenhouse
crops; fruits, nuts and berries; soybeans, and dairy
products. More land is planted for vegetables in Cumberland
County - 13,885 acres - than in any other county in
the state.
The State Agriculture Development Committee administers
New Jersey's Farmland Preservation Program. To date,
849 farms covering 104,218 acres have been permanently
preserved statewide. |
