Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Resolution of Support
Purpose: To support the creation of a dedicated funding stream for urban agriculture in New Jersey
Additional Information:
Resolution of Support for Senate Bill S4350 which authorizes the state and local governments to acquire and manage land for agriculture and horticulture use in urban area.
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WHEREAS, New Jersey is known as the Garden State rooted in its agricultural heritage and pride in cultivation; and
WHEREAS, in 2014, voters approved dedicating part of the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) to support agricultural, recreation, conservation, and historic preservation; and
WHEREAS, although all New Jersey voters supported the amendment, all communities should benefit from these investments; and
WHEREAS, yet, urban communities remain excluded from agricultural funding. Investing in agriculture should not be viewed as solely a rural priority but as a shared commitment to the health and quality of life of every community; and
WHEREAS, agricultural funding in urban communities can help address local challenges such as hunger, flooding, and extreme heat. In urban communities across New Jersey, these efforts not only provide fresh food but also reduce pollution, create jobs, and engage youth; and
WHEREAS, however, urban areas cannot meet the farmland preservation program five (5) acre minimum standard established decades ago. Expanding eligibility acreage thresholds would empower more communities to use agriculture as a tool for health, sustainability, and resilience by investing in innovative agricultural approaches, such as rooftop gardens, hydroponics, school greenhouses and community gardens. Traditional farmers also benefit since urban farming creates new markets for Jersey Fresh produce and build broad public support for agriculture; and
WHEREAS, as of April 2025, analysis by the Office of Management and Budget showed only 25 percent of total available funds had been requested leaving $273 million unspent. A 2023 report by the New Jersey Auditor found that county and municipal governments had left an estimated $50 million in farmland preservation grants unused; and
WHEREAS, redirecting even a small share of these existing resources toward urban agriculture initiatives would unlock powerful opportunities. New Jersey could make meaningful investments in urban agriculture and strengthen local food systems while continuing to support local rural farmers and conserve farmland.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Municipal Council on behalf of the City of Newark encourages the New Jersey State Senate to adopt Senate Bill S4350 sponsored by State Senator Shirley K. Turner that would establish a grant program specifically designed to support urban agriculture.
2. Copies of this Resolution shall be sent to the honorable Governor-Elect Mikki Sherril and New Jersey State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari.
STATEMENT
Resolution in support of proposed Senate Bill (S) 4350 to be introduced by State Senator Shirley K. Turner that will make state funds available to municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations for projects such as community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic systems and school-based greenhouse.