N.J. Stat. § 4:1C-12

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The strengthening of the agricultural industry and the preservation of farmland are important to the present and future economy of the State and the welfare of the citizens of the State, and that the Legislature and the people have demonstrated recognition of this fact through their approval of the "Farmland Preservation Bond Act of 1981," P.L. 1981, c. 276; b. All State departments and agencies thereof should encourage the maintenance of agricultural production and a positive agricultural business climate; c. It is necessary to authorize the establishment of State and county organizations to coordinate the development of farmland preservation programs within identified areas where agriculture will be presumed the first priority use of the land and where certain financial, administrative and regulatory benefits will be made available to those landowners who choose to participate, all as hereinafter provided. L.1983, c. 32, s. 2, eff. Jan. 26, 1983, operative Jan. 26, 1983.