SPRINGFIELD, NJ – The Burlington County Commissioners celebrated another farmland preservation milestone last week as the Three Willows Farm in Springfield became the first New Jersey farm to be preserved using a new State formula to calculate its development value.

The farm’s preservation by the State of New Jersey was celebrated during a ceremony on August 25 attended by New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn; farm owners Brian and Stacey Arzt, and various State, Burlington County and local officials.

The 70-acre farm is located off Arney’s Mount Road in the heart of Burlington County’s farm belt. Owners Brian and Stacy Arzt are first-generation farmers who raise cattle and sell high-quality, pasture-raised beef directly to customers.

The farm is the first New Jersey farm to be preserved using the new Statewide Preservation Formula, also called the Statewide Formula Value (SFV).  The new formula appraises the value of a farm’s development rights beyond market value to assign additional value based on the agriculture and natural resource characteristics of the property.

Legislation instructing the State Agriculture Development Committee to create the new formula and related rules was approved by the New Jersey Legislature and was signed into law in January 2024. The formula and rules became effective in April this year.

Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel was one of the speakers at Monday’s ceremony and spoke about the importance of the new valuation formula.

“We all agree – this formula is a game-changer for all of us hoping to preserve more of New Jersey’s remaining farmland. This is essential to keep agriculture a strong and viable industry in the Garden State,” said Commissioner Eckel, who is the liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation. “Three Willows may be the first farm to be preserved using this new formula, but we expect more farms will soon follow.”

Burlington County has reached tentative agreements with the owners of six additional farms to enter the County preservation program. Once closing occurs, another 741 acres of farmland will be added to the 67,000 already preserved across Burlington County.

“Burlington County is where the farmland preservation program was born, and agriculture remains rooted in our county’s history, culture and the quality of life that makes our county special,” added Commissioner Eckel. “I’m proud of the work being done by our County and the State of New Jersey to keep farming alive for current and future generations.”

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, who was a co-sponsor of the legislation to create the new formula, said the update ensures farmers receive fair compensation that reflects the value of keeping land in agriculture.

“I’m a huge proponent of community and ensuring people can remain here and continue to thrive in New Jersey and Burlington County. This is a prime example of how we’re accomplishing that goal,” said Assemblywoman Murphy. “The update is helping New Jersey and Burlington County have a better opportunity to save additional farmland to keep New Jersey the Garden State.”

Senator Troy Singleton, who also co-sponsored the legislation updating the formula, said the changes should encourage more farmers to choose preservation.

“New Jersey has a proud farming heritage that needs to be protected,” Senator Singleton said. “Updating the funding formula was a critical step that benefits not only our farmers but all of us who enjoy healthy, Jersey Fresh foods and the beautiful landscapes associated with our farms.”

Assemblywoman Andrea Katz thanked and congratulated the Arzt family, State Agriculture Development Committee members and staff, and the many farmers who continue to provide fresh, healthy foods for families in New Jersey and beyond.

“First generation farmers like Brian and Stacey Arzt are committed to keeping agriculture alive in New Jersey, and updating the preservation formula represents an investment in them and other farmers looking to safeguard New Jersey agriculture’s future,” said Assemblywoman Katz.

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