To promote, protect and serve the Garden State's diverse agriculture and agribusiness industries.
The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) grant program aims to support soil and water conservation projects on farms that are enrolled in permanent or eight-year farmland preservation programs. The grants fund up to 50% of the project costs. The overarching goal is to enhance conservation efforts that control soil erosion, sediment damages, and pollution on farmlands, as well as improve water management and land productivity for agricultural purposes. Eligible projects include terrace systems, stream protection, water reservoirs, irrigation systems, sediment retention, drainage, animal waste control facilities, agri-chemical handling facilities, and land shaping or grading. Landowners interested in applying must work with local Soil Conservation Districts to develop necessary and feasible farm conservation plans. These applications are then reviewed and recommended for funding by the N.J. State Soil Conservation Committee.
Funding preference is primarily given to farms preserved indefinitely. Farms with preservation terms of 16 years are prioritized next, followed by those with 8-year terms. Additionally, farms independently preserved—such as those through county easement purchases, cluster development, rights transfer in development, or by separating Pinelands or Highlands development rights—may also qualify for primary consideration if specific criteria are met.