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Bill

A 6033

Authorizes County Agriculture Development Boards to establish program to receive and lease donated farmland to new farms, establishes gross income tax credit for farmers who donate land.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Clifton and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey authorizes county boards to accept donated farmland for beginning farmers and provides tax credits to donor landowners, aiming to preserve agricultural land while supporting new farm operators.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
#farmland #incometax
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Bill Summary · A 6033

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 6033 authorizes New Jersey county agriculture development boards to create programs that accept donated farmland and lease it to beginning farmers. The bill also establishes a state gross income tax credit for farmers who donate their land to these programs, providing financial incentives for participation.

Why is this important

Agricultural land in New Jersey faces ongoing development pressure, and this bill attempts to preserve farmland while supporting new farmers entering the industry—a demographic challenge for American agriculture. By combining land access programs with tax incentives, the bill addresses both land preservation and farmer succession issues simultaneously.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax credit cost and fiscal impact: The state revenue impact from income tax credits is unclear; lawmakers may debate whether the forgone tax revenue justifies the agricultural preservation benefit.
  • Landowner incentive sufficiency: Critics may question whether the tax credit is attractive enough to motivate significant farmland donations, or whether it primarily benefits wealthy farmers seeking tax advantages.
  • Program administration and local capacity: County agriculture development boards' ability to successfully manage land leasing programs, maintain properties, and support new farmers varies widely; the bill provides no funding mechanism or implementation standards.
  • Definition of "new farms": The bill's lack of clear eligibility criteria could create disputes over who qualifies as a beginning farmer and potential inequities in land access.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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