Assembly passes bill to assist farmers

The Assembly passed legislation by a 75-0 vote Monday helping farmers protect their fields from crop-damaging deer and other animals. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymen Parker Space and Ronald Dancer, allows farmers to obtain a single permit to eradicate multiple species responsible for crop damage on their property.
“Farmers face a never-ending battle with wildlife that can strip plantings and profitability from their land,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Multi-species permits allow farmers to defend their crops from a variety of destructive wildlife. Deer, geese, turkey, starlings and other birds, bear and beavers are all attracted to the open space and the healthy plants growing on New Jersey farms.”
The state’s farmers suffer almost $300 million in crop loss every year.
“This bill is a responsible solution for farmers who must defend their land and their livelihood from ravenous birds and animals,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “The damage and destruction jeopardizes the livelihood of farmers who are vital to our state. A flock of geese can swoop down and devour acres of tender seedlings, and hundreds or thousands of starlings can strip a newly seeded field. The impact can be devastating to the family farms that are the heart and soul of agriculture in our state.”
Depredation permits are issued by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Assemblyman Hal Wirths (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) is also a cosponsor of A792.