The New Jersey Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved (74-0) legislation to allow certain farms to hold special events on their property, including weddings, lifetime milestone celebrations and cultural or social events.

Currently, preserved farmland is only allowed to be used for agricultural reasons. The legislation (A2773), sponsored by Republican Ron Dancer (R-Ocean) and Democrats Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic), Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) and Carol Murphy (D-Burlington), would create a three-year pilot program in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties to allow an owner of preserved farmland host special events.

Farms considered “residentially-exposed,” defined as being on a residential road, or which have event space located within 200 feet of a residential road, would be permitted to have seven events per year. Other farms would be allowed 14 events annually.

The sponsors said the legislation would support New Jersey agriculture by providing owners of preserved farmland with an added way to make money while marketing their agricultural products.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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