a. That the preservation of agricultural open space and the retention of agricultural activities would serve the best interests of all citizens of this State by insuring the numerous social, economic and environmental benefits which accrue from the continuation of agriculture in the Garden State.

b. That past and present policies and efforts of this State intended to promote such preservation and retention, while beneficial and worthy of continuation, have been inadequate to insure the permanent existence of such activities, which constitute a vital and benevolent use of the land which is so rapidly disappearing in this, the most densely populated and highly urbanized State in the nation.

c. That it is both necessary and desirable to implement additional policies, including the creation of an agricultural preserve, designed to provide for such preservation and retention.

d. That it is the express intention of this act to promote and insure the continuation of such activities within the agricultural preserve as provided herein.

L.1976, c. 50, s. 2, eff. July 22, 1976.