From The Hammonton News - A 107-acre blueberry farm in this western Atlantic County municipality has been protected from development following the $659,715 purchase of development easements by Atlantic County on June 23 through the county’s farmland preservation program. The farm is owned by Carmen and Mary Jane Merlino.This is the second blueberry farm in Mullica to be acquired for farmland preservation this year. A 65-acre farm was preserved in March. The county also anticipates settling on a 119-acre Hammonton blueberry farm next month.
“Farming is an important part of our local heritage,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “Through the Farmland Preservation Program we are able to help farmers in Mullica and throughout Atlantic County protect our farmlands from the threat of development.”

There are currently more than 4,100 acres of protected farmland within Atlantic County, more than half of which have been preserved through the county’s farmland preservation program that guarantees protection from non-agriculture use. 

Participating landowners agree to sell their development rights but maintain ownership and the ability to continue farming. The state certifies the development values for each farm based on independent appraisals conducted by two licensed appraisers and a review by a staff appraiser.

The Merlino farm purchase was funded with $426,260 from the State Agriculture Development Committee. The remaining costs were funded through the Atlantic County Open Space Trust Fund.