Three Willows Farm in Springfield Township, Burlington County is the first New Jersey farm to be preserved under a new farmland assessment formula sponsored by Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Rob Clifton. Their bill, which had been credited as the “single most important positive piece of agricultural legislation,” helped convince first-generation cattle farmers, Brian and Stacey Artz, to work with the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee to preserve Three Willows. 

“This law is truly a game changer and levels the playing field for farmers like Brian and Stacey Artz,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said. “It’s easily the most important bill I’ve had signed into law. It will bring New Jersey closer to its goal of preserving 500,000 acres of farmland and keep the Garden State the state that it always has been and always should be.”

The law (A4729) made changes to the Farmland Preservation Program’s appraisal formula to include other relevant factors such as the value of farmland in nearby towns and counties and the importance of preserving farmland in the area. The State Agriculture Development Committee, which oversees the preservation program, now uses the fairer appraisal process during negotiations with the landowner. The new offer, in most cases, is more than the easement value obtained through traditional appraisals.

“As a first-generation farmer, the new formula allows us to continue to invest in the land and livestock. We plan to improve our genetics, strengthen our herd, and truly build something that lasts. Most importantly, it opens the door for our children if they choose to carry on this tradition and farm here in the future,” Brian Artz said at a ceremony last week celebrating the farm’s preservation. 

Clifton (R-Monmouth), who was a keynote speaker at the ceremony, said, “Experiencing the real-life impact this legislation has had on the Artz family and their decision to preserve Three Willows Farm makes me immensely proud and I’m honored to be able to be a part of it. This law represents a significant commitment to the rich agricultural heritage of New Jersey by preserving it for future generations.”

Three Willows Farm includes approximately 70 acres of land used for cattle grazing and hay production. The Artz family sells their pasture-raised beef directly to customers. They also raise chickens that provide fresh brown eggs and offer homemade baked goods made from locally sourced ingredients.

“I’m proud to have written this law to help farmers keep farming, but I’m not done by any stretch,” Sauickie said. “I will continue to promote legislation to ensure farmers have the support they need to keep providing fresh food to New Jersey and the world.”

Since the state’s preservation program began 40 years ago, 2,893 farms (including Three Willows) covering 253,143 acres have been preserved.