Press Release

NJ Farmers Cooperative Challenges NJDEP's Overreaching Flood Zone Proposal and Well Water Meter Mandates​

Local Non-Profit, Agricultural, and Business Communities Unite Against Regulatory Burdens Threatening Residents’ Livelihoods

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Following widespread public concern regarding New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) proposed flood zone rule, NJ Farmers Cooperative (NJFC) is actively protesting the proposal, claiming it threatens to compromise the livelihoods of the state’s agricultural communities and local businesses.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative believes the flood zone proposal, which would require property owners to raise their constructions 5 feet above existing federal flood elevation levels, is rooted in unfounded data and represents an overreach of governmental authority. The flood zone proposal, driven by NJDEP’s “bureaucratic inefficiencies,” does not genuinely prioritize environmental safety but rather serves as a means for budgetary control at the expense of local livelihoods, according to the non-profit.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative also believes the flood zone proposal will harm all local businesses both large and small, and that the increased cost of living it will cause will drive away residents from our community, especially its most vulnerable members like veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. 

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One such local business threatened by the NJDEP’s flood zone proposal is Willow Creek Winery, a NJ Farmers Cooperative affiliate. As a major part of the Cape May County community, Willow Creek Winery employs many local residents, including veterans who have chosen to retire “down the shore” after years of service. This winery supports small vendor markets that provide an opportunity for local artisans, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, to make ends meet. However, the economic challenges faced by the community have increased drastically, with surging expenses as varied as electricity costs rising 300%, workers' compensation premiums rising 60%, and overall spikes in the cost of goods.

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The flood zone proposal is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg, and residents may soon find themselves required to install meters on their water wells. Since January 2024, Willow Creek Winery also has been inundated with requests from NJDEP to install water meters and register for allocations related to farm irrigation and restaurant operations. Although many of the winery’s wells are not in use, the NJDEP has insisted on strict compliance, despite projected permit and installation costs reaching upwards of $100,000.00, and even up to $500,000 for certain projects. The price paid by New Jersey farms for this government overreach jeopardizes the sustainability of all local agriculture and is reflected in the rising costs of produce — a direct consequence of such regulatory pressures.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative believes that requiring well meters constitutes an unnecessary and burdensome intrusion into their private property management. “As property owners utilizing our wells responsibly, we believe we have the right to manage our resources without excessive governmental regulation,” said Gladys McKinney, a representative of NJ Farmers Cooperative and local Cape May County resident. “This regulation not only adds a financial burden but also raises significant privacy concerns as the government monitors how much water we use.”

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Moreover, NJ Farmers Cooperative is concerned about the potential for punitive actions against well users who do not comply with such requests. “The fear of fines or other penalties creates an atmosphere of tension and mistrust toward regulatory agencies,” added McKinney. “We should be collaborating on water management rather than imposing restrictions.”

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The NJDEP receives its funding, among other sources, through fines imposed on companies or individuals who violate environmental regulations.

As discussions continue, various community groups are organizing forums to discuss the implications of this regulation and explore possible advocacy routes. “It’s essential that we come together as a community, voice our concerns, and ensure our rights are respected,” stated McKinney.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative urges its fellow farmers and community members to recognize the gravity of these issues. When local farming suffers due to overregulation, it directly impacts every resident and business in the area.

NJ Farmers Cooperative need your voice—join us in advocating for fewer regulations and regulation that actually protect our community.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative invites local farmers and community members to unite in advocacy against these burdensome proposals. To join the movement, please contact Gladys McKinney at gladys@willowcreekwinery.com.

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Additionally, NJ Farmers Cooperative invites everyone to join us at the Veterans Weekend Celebration on November 9th, 10th, and 11th at Willow Creek Winery for a weekend of fun activities, local vendor markets, food, wine, and beer. Fundraising T-shirts and protest growler bottles will be available to show support for our cause. The winery will also be offering a 15% food discount during the event for active and retired military persons with a valid ID.

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Together, we can make our voices heard against unnecessary government overreach and protect the future of our local community and agriculture.

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NJ Farmers Cooperative is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help NJ farmers, artists and artisans survive and thrive through shared use of resources, education, and cooperative marketing. NJ Farmers Cooperative is creating a regional network of farmers, artists, and artisans in underserved communities in South Jersey and beyond to make our community more economically viable, save farmland by preserving historic properties, and reinvigorate our community as a whole by making farming and small business more accessible to people of color, women, and youth. For more information, visit www.njfarmerscoop.com or contact us directly.