This is New Jersey: the most densely populated and suburbanized state in the nation. When families leave cities to raise their children in suburban communities, they enjoy the nearby rural surroundings but are often unfamiliar with the day-to-day operations that are required to maintain the beautiful local farms. There are odors, noises and natural inhabitants (bugs!) that are associated with farming. And despite the interdependence of farmer and non-farmer, in our state we have seen significant land use conflicts arise. Studies show that in conflicts between residents and farmers, the farmer typically loses. But in reality, everyone loses. The average dollar cost to farms involved in these conflicts is $25,000 annually per farm (Adelaja & Sullivan), and is often enough to drive a farm out of business. Gone are the pastoral scenery, the fresh local foods, and community cohesiveness.

It is the responsibility of both farmer and non-farmer to nurture a healthy relationship. Specifically, three things are important in achieving this goal:

Educational programs about the public benefits of New Jersey’s Right-to-Farm Act
The existence of conflict resolution methods
Conflict prevention

As a farmer, conflict prevention is a required sustainable practice. Making sure you communicate with your neighbors about what’s going-on on you farm, comes down to this:

Get to know your neighbors.
Listen and talk to people when they have concerns.
Use common sense when performing the daily activities required on the farm.
Be involved in the community.
Keep the farm looking nice so that the farm remains an asset in the eyes of the community.

Resources for Farmers

Farmer-to-Farmer Advice for Avoiding Conflicts With Neighbors and Towns

This pamphlet features farmer-to-farmer advice, from the experiences of more than 50 farmers around the state, for avoiding for avoiding conflicts with neighbors and towns. Produced in cooperation with the State Agricultural Development Committee.