418 acres added to preserved land

With the addition of Reed Sod Farm, Upper Freehold Township will now have more preserved farmland than any other municipality in the state.

By: Dana Lynn Flatekval
   UPPER FREEHOLD — Thanks to the owners of the Reed Sod Farm on Route 526, more than 400 acres of the property will be added to the township and state’s Farmland Preservation Program.
   On Aug. 11, in front of a crowd of people, it was announced the state Agricultural Development Committee purchased the development rights to permanently preserve the land. In attendance were the owners of the farm, Carole and Stuart Reed, Mayor John Mele, Deputy Mayor David Horsnall, Deputy Freeholder Director Ted Narozanick and Executive Director of Delaware and Raritan Greenway Linda Mead.
   With the addition of the Reeds’ land, Upper Freehold will have more preserved farmland than any other municipality in New Jersey. Currently the township has 6,350 acres preserved.
   "More farmland has been preserved in the township than in any other municipality in the state," state Agricultural Secretary Charles M. Kuperus said. "We are pleased to add the Reeds’ 418 acres of farmland to that total, which will help ensure a stronger future for agriculture and protect the rural character of this region."
   According to the state Department of Agriculture’s Web site, landowners who want to continue farming their land can sell their development rights to municipalities, nonprofit organizations or the county agricultural development boards. The sale price is based on the difference between what a developer would pay for the land and what it is worth for agriculture.
   Mayor Mele said the development rights were priced at $1.2 million. The township will be responsible for $600,000 and the county for $600,000. Any leftover balance will be paid by the state.
   A property entered into farmland preservation is forever protected by a deed restriction, the Web site states. The land is chosen based on the determination by the county Agricultural Development Board that farming is viable over a long period of time.
   Ms. Mead said "there’s a famous saying in land preservation — asphalt is the last crop."
   "I’m glad that today we are celebrating a victory over asphalt by ensuring that the crops on this land will always be green and growing," Ms. Mead said.
   Mr. Kuperus said the preservation shows a "real partnership" and the mayor has proved to be an integral part of the process.
   Mayor Mele has dedicated his time in office to the preserving open space.
   "This is a great example of how, with the cooperation of all levels of government, we can achieve our mutual goals," the mayor said. "Government needs to be flexible and creative if we wish to continue our efforts to maintain a livable community and provide the ability for the agricultural industry to prosper."
   Deputy Mayor David Horsnall said the mayor has been "the driving force" behind farmland preservation. He also gave credit to the organizations that help to make these acquisitions possible.
   "We can have all the interests in the world but we need the nonprofits like D&R (Delaware and Raritan)," Mr. Horsnall said. "But, with John’s (the mayor) desire, energy and commitment to the program our township has made significant efforts."
   Mr. Reed will used the preserved land as a sod farm for the next two years. During the second year an athletic-grade sod will be planted for recreational use by the community.
   "We’re moving forward," Mr. Kuperus said. "Let’s show the county and the state that we are committed to our sod, horse and agriculture farms.
   "This process allows us to work together to make sure our children can enjoy our Garden State," he said.