The new state legislation was to be signed by then Governor Christie Whitman.

Date: January 27, 1983

Location: The Swift Farm, Rick Road in Alexandria Township, Hunterdon County.

Swift’s farm is contiguous to Tuckaway, so I thought I’d walk through the pastures to witness the signing ceremony. With a flair for authenticity, Jake Rick (RIP) awaited to drive the Governor down “Swifty’s” long lane in his 1924 Studebaker.

Was this the first occasion that the Governor ever had to traipse past cow pies in her high heels to get to the signing table in a barnyard? Ah, the vicissitudes of governance!

Now, nearly 40 years since, the stroke of her pen was momentous. The New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program has enabled the preservation of 250,000 acres, with a stated goal of doubling that figure.

Thus far, the total of preserved New Jersey farms is 2,843… 466 of them are in Hunterdon, leading all of the counties in total number of preserved farms.

Jersey’s farmland preservation achievement has been remarkable, garnering notice nationwide. How did it happen, anyway? I’ll spare the details of its origin and growth for someone else. I wish only to note here the remarkable achievement of New Jersey voters who have, time and again, recognized the value of what they are doing via their ballot.

Their vote has demonstrated a steadfast respect for agriculture in New Jersey, the abundance we’re known for and the sheen that farming keeps on the state. Thank you New Jerseyans!