N.J. buys development rights to Winslow farm

The state announced yesterday it has protected a farm in Winslow Township in perpetuity by buying the development rights for $885,416.

The Riverforks Farm in the lower Camden County town grows hay, and it is owned by J. Evans Jennings Jr. and his wife, Sharon. The Jennings family has farmed in South Jersey since 1677, according to a statement from the state.

None of the five youngest Jennings daughters wants to farm, the state said, so this allows the family to keep the property as an agricultural entity. The Jennings family will continue to own the property, but there is a permanent deed restriction ensuring it will remain a farm.

"I'm delighted this land has been permanently protected and will help ensure agriculture will remain a vital presence in Winslow Township for generations to come," said New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher. - Matt Katz