Gov. Phil Murphy has signed the “Farmland and Woodland Tax Assessment Integrity and Investment Act” (S3446/A6278) into law, introducing changes to New Jersey’s Farmland Assessment Program. The legislation was enacted during the final broadcast of “Ask Governor Murphy” on WNYC, WHYY, and WBGO.
The law aims to update how farmland and woodland are taxed in New Jersey. It also expands the State Farmland Evaluation Committee by adding new members.
Jack Curtis of Mendham, a retired educator from Morris County, advocated for reforms to farmland taxation. After connecting with Gov. Murphy on the radio program, Curtis met with him at the State House in April 2024. Over nearly two years, they worked together on this legislation. The bill passed through the Legislature earlier this week before being signed live on air.
Under the revised “Farmland Assessment Act of 1964,” the State Farmland Evaluation Committee is now required to regularly review and adjust sales and income requirements for land considered actively used for agriculture or horticulture. These updates are intended to align assessment criteria with current conditions faced by farmers in New Jersey.
In August 2025, the committee voted to raise the minimum sales threshold required for qualification to $1,900; this change will take effect in three years. The previous adjustment was made in 2013 when it was set at $1,000.
The new law increases penalties for false statements on farmland assessment applications and mandates an online application portal designed to improve transparency and efficiency. According to the Division of Taxation, this portal is scheduled to launch within this year for use starting with assessments in Tax Year 2027.
Additionally, annual reports about program efficiency must now be submitted by the committee to state officials as part of enhanced transparency measures.
Gov. Murphy nominated Jack Curtis for a position on the State Farmland Evaluation Committee as one of three new members established by this bill—alongside appointments from forestry professionals within state agencies—stating that Curtis’s experience would add a public voice focused on government accountability and fair taxation: “Murphy has nominated Curtis to serve in a role on the FEC, ensuring a member of the public with demonstrated interest in government accountability and equitable taxation has a voice at the table where these decisions are made.”
