New Law Allows Preserved Chester Farms To Host Events, Boost Revenue

CHESTER, NJ — Special events, such as weddings and concerts, will now be permitted on some of Chester's preserved farmland, thanks to a bipartisan bill signed recently by Gov. Phil Murphy.

This new ruling will impact 27 farms within Chester Township, allowing them to add temporary structures and temporary parking to accommodate the event.

Despite concerns from some residents about large and potentially valuable events being held on protected lands that receive public funds, supporters say the decision will help the state's agricultural industry.

State law prohibits preserved farms from using or developing the land for non-agricultural purposes. Common examples of permitted events include hayrides and seasonal celebrations like the seasonal brunches at Alstede Farms.

However, this new law allows commercial farm owners on preserved land to host "special occasion events" based on their economic output.

Preserved farms that produce agricultural or horticultural annual sales worth more than $10,000 annually may hold up to a maximum of 26 special occasion events per calendar year, of which six may have 250 guests or more in attendance.

Events held for nonprofit organizations with fewer than one hundred attendees are not counted against this limit, as long as the farm does not charge or receive compensation for hosting the event other than out-of-pocket expenses of no more than $1,000.

According to officials, this will bring new business to family farms, help them secure a more stable future, create new agritourism spaces in the state and improve communities.

"This law will open new revenue streams for those who work tirelessly to maintain the preserved farmland that is core to our state’s cultural fabric," Murphy said.

Recently, the Chester Planning Board heard an update on the sustainable economic improvement plan developed by Burgis Associates, Inc., a professional planning, design and landscape architectural firm.

The plan, according to Burgis Associates, was intended to provide a realistic framework to help guide physical improvements within the township's existing business zones and throughout the business community.

According to the plan, residential properties and farmland account for 45.99 percent of the total land area of all properties located in the township's commercial zoning districts.

"This law gives farmers in New Jersey the opportunity to supplement their income by hosting special events on their land. Agritourism is a growing industry, and by allowing our farmers to participate, we make it possible for them to expand their businesses, grow the economy and showcase that which makes New Jersey’s agricultural community special," said Assemblymen Roy Freiman and Raj Mukherji. "By finding a balance between protecting preserved farmland and giving farmers in the Garden State the ability to host events, we can introduce new streams of income to the farming industry without compromising agricultural production."

The following list identifies the preserved farms in Chester Township as of Feb. 27, 2023, as per the Morris County Agricultural Development Board:

• Walnut Hill Farm
• Young Farm 2
• Olsen Farm
• Verbeke (Marichele) Farm
• Aresty Farm (partially located in Mendham Township)
• Konkus Farm, LLC
• Parks Farm
• Michel 2 Farm
• Michel 1 Farm
• Lare Farm (partially located in Mendham Township)
• Lu Shan Farm

• Young Farm (partially located in Mt. Olive Township)
• Ever After Farm
• Tranquility Farm
• Hideaway Farm 4
• Hideaway Farm 3
• Hideaway Farm 2
• Hideaway Farm 1
• Stony Hill Gardens Farm
• Forte Farm
• Menzel Farm
• Desiderio Farm
• Fox Lair Farm
• Black River Farm
• Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill
• Higland Farm
• Sabine Farm

The special events must not interfere with the use of the preserved farmland for agricultural or horticultural production, have minimal effects on the immediate area, and be designed to protect the land's agricultural resources, according to the law.

Farmers who violate the regulations face fines of up to $2,500 for the first offense, $10,000 for the second offense, and $25,000 for the third and subsequent offenses. Those who consistently violate the rules may be barred from holding special occasion events for a period of time that grows in proportion to the number of violations.