Mission of the Chester Township Agricultural Advisory Committee:To provide support, advice, and guidance to the Township, its governing bodies and its residents in connection with farms and all matters agricultural; to advocate for the Township’s farmer(s) when requested and deemed appropriate by the committee; and to facilitate greater understanding in the community at large of the challenges facing farmers and the future of agriculture. 

Chester Township Agricultural Advisory Committee Members, 2024

ABOUT THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

This year’s committee represents the farming community with diverse backgrounds including tree farming, fruit, vegetable & flower farming, and specialty cattle farming, along with a non-farming member of the community.

The AAC advocates and supports farm policies while fostering a network of sharing resources representing over 100 farms in Chester Township.

The AAC has provided valuable advice to the Chester Township Planning Board and Town Council with regards to critical issues that impact farming, farmland owners and the neighboring community, specifically relating to dry wells. The committee met with multiple state and county officials gathering information and confirming professional understanding to provide feedback on ordinances under review by the planning board specific to stormwater management and dry well requirements on agricultural lots in Chester Township. The Committee has also provided framework and specific language on exemptions for existing ordinance pertaining to the same. 

The AAC has also undertaken a review of the Morris Counties 2022 draft of farmland preservation plan and provided valuable perspective from the farming community. 

The Meeting schedule is posted on the calendar and the public is encouraged to attend.