ASSEMBLY COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4501

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 16, 2024

      The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4501.

      This bill amends and supplements the “Right to Farm Act,” P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-1 et seq.), to allow housing for resident farm employees on a commercial farm to be a permissible activity and eligible for Right to Farm protections. 

     The bill directs the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to adopt an agricultural management practice that permits the housing of resident farm employees.  The bill defines “resident farm employee” as a person employed by the owner or operator of a commercial farm to engage in agricultural production activities on a full-time basis on the commercial farm.  The term does not include a full-time, year-round equine-related farm employee.