Introduction
Appraisals are performed to determine property and easement values for the farmland preservation program.
The State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) approves State Certified General Real Estate Appraisers (SCGREA) to perform these appraisals based on the following:
- Appraiser Selection Rule (N.J.A.C. 2:76-6.21)
- Appraiser Retention and Removal Rule (N.J.A.C. 2:76-6.22)
The SADC only accepts appraisals from the agency’s approved appraisers for projects in which SADC approval and funding are sought:
SADC Approved Appraisers are required to follow:
- Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
- New Jersey Farmland Preservation Program Appraisal Handbook
- Transfer of Development Rights Program appraisal guidelines
Please note: Any agency using our list should confirm that the appraiser has proper professional insurance coverage and meets all other specific requirements of the agency.
The SADC also periodically contracts with appraisers to serve as SADC review appraisers:
Looking to become an SADC Approved Appraiser?
- SADC approves individual appraisers (not firms).
- If you or someone you know would like to become an approved appraiser and meets the Appraiser Selection Rule (N.J.A.C. 2:76-6.21), please contact SADC Appraisal Review Staff to apply.
- For more information on the farmland preservation appraisal process, contact the State Agriculture Development Committee at (609) 984-2504.
Appraisal Guidelines
2022 Appraisal Handbook -as adopted
Appraisal Videos
2024 Webinar (Full Video) See Helpful Tools for direct links to sections of the webinar
Helpful Tools
Bring GeoWeb boundaries into the Web Soil Survey:
NJ Land Link – Listings of farms for sale
Land and Farm – Listings of farms for sale
NJ Pinelands
NJ Pinelands Commission
Pinelands Appraiser Handbook Supplement
Pinelands Onsite Development Worksheet
NJ Highlands
NJ Highlands Council
Transfer of Development Rights Program - Appraisal Guidelines
Agricultural Land Easement (ALE)
These are lands that have been preserved with a certain percentage of federal funding. The ALE requirements are more stringent than the typical farmland preservation easement. Therefore, the appraisers should consider if a property rights adjustment is necessary for the additional restrictions. The following is a guidance document that explains the program, as well as a comparison chart between farms with ALE funding and those without. The above list of SADC preserved farms has a column at the end that indicates if the farm was preserved with ALE funding, to determine if an adjustment is necessary to the comparable sale.
Templates for Appraisers
Adjustment Grid for Unrestricted “Before” Sales
Farmland Sales Data
Pursuant to Daniel’s Law, P.L. 2021, Chapter 371, this information is no longer available on the SADC public website.
List of SADC Preserved Farms
Pursuant to Daniel’s Law, P.L. 2021, Chapter 371, this information is no longer available on the SADC public website.
SADC Appraisal Review Staff
Richard Martin
(609) 913-6570
richard.martin@ag.nj.gov
Jolyn Czerniecki
(609) 913-6586
jolyn.czerniecki@ag.nj.gov