The New Jersey Right to Farm Act at NJSA 4:1C-26 protects commercial farms from nuisance lawsuits and preempts inconsistent municipal ordinances when farms follow agricultural management practices.
The Right to Farm Act, NJSA 4:1C-1 et seq., declares agriculture a permissible use across the state and shields commercial farms meeting eligibility criteria from nuisance actions and unreasonably restrictive municipal regulation. Under NJSA 4:1C-26, eligible commercial farms operating in conformance with Agricultural Management Practices recommended by the State Agriculture Development Committee enjoy preemption of conflicting local ordinances. Eligible farms must produce agricultural or horticultural products worth at least $2,500 annually and satisfy other criteria. County Agriculture Development Boards (CADBs) adjudicate site-specific disputes between farms and neighboring landowners or municipalities.
Municipalities enforcing ordinances against protected commercial farm activities risk SADC override and CADB rulings invalidating restrictions; private nuisance plaintiffs face suit dismissal.
See how Vernon's farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
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