NJ boosts farm protection with new wildlife fencing grants

USAgNet - 02/21/2024

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has introduced an updated wildlife fencing grant program to support both preserved and unpreserved farms in protecting their crops from wildlife, such as deer and bears.

This initiative, announced by Assistant Secretary Joe Atchison III, comes as a response to the new law signed on January 8, 2024, which significantly increases the available funding for these grants.

Under this new program, farm owners, operators, or tenants can receive up to 50 percent of the costs (up to a maximum of $50,000) for installing wildlife fencing. This opportunity is extended on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated funds are fully utilized.

This enhancement is a part of the broader effort by the NJDA and the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to mitigate the impact of wildlife on agricultural productivity. The law aims to provide financial relief and support to farmers who face significant losses due to wildlife damage.

To be eligible, applicants need to secure authorization from the landowner if they do not own the farmland and must obtain a NJSTART vendor ID. Detailed application forms and guidelines are available online, ensuring that interested parties can easily access and submit their applications.

This move is widely seen as a positive step towards bolstering New Jersey's agricultural sector by reducing crop losses and enhancing farm sustainability. Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of this grant to safeguard their livelihoods and contribute to the state's agricultural prosperity.

For more details on the wildlife fencing grant program and other agricultural grants offered by the NJDA, visit the official New Jersey Department of Agriculture website.

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