Farmland tax credit bills take different tacks

By GREGORY J. VOLPE • Gannett State Bureau • October 12, 2008 TRENTON — Those using a property tax break meant for farmers, but abused by other land owners, would have to double the minimum amount they produce to qualify under a bill pending in the state Senate. Or sell nothing at all, under a divergent proposal. One measure would raise the minimum income needed to qualify for a farmland assessment from the $500 established in 1964 to $1,000, require proof of those sales and require the state Board of Agriculture to set minimum standards to qualify for the large tax breaks -- such as the number of cows raised or cornstalks grown. Another measure, more concerned with the environment than tax code, would allow forest owners to qualify for reduced assessments without selling one tree, provided they get a certified forest... [read full story]