The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) announced today that it is now accepting applications for cost-share grants aimed at installing wildlife fencing on both preserved and unpreserved farms. The program, an updated version of the deer fencing initiative launched in spring 2023, seeks to provide financial assistance to farm owners, operators, or tenants.
Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III stated, "The expanded version of this program makes more funds available to those who may need fencing to protect valuable crops that are susceptible to damage from deer, bears, and other wildlife. We encourage farmers to take advantage of this opportunity by applying for this grant."
Under the program, applicants can receive up to 50 percent matching funds with a maximum cap of $50,000 if their application is approved. Grants for unpreserved farms will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until all allocated funds are exhausted.
This initiative is made possible through legislation (P.L. 2023, c. 233) signed into law on January 8, 2024. The law enhances the separate NJDA and State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) wildlife fencing programs.
Applicants who lease or operate but do not own the farmland must obtain authorization from the landowner before applying. They must also review a copy of the Standard Agreement and acquire a NJSTART vendor ID. Application forms and additional information can be found at https://bit.ly/3SZvaJJ.
Farms enrolled in a 'permanent farmland preservation program,' as defined in SADC policy P-53, are eligible for the SADC program. All other farms may apply through the NJDA program.
