a. Any one or more owners of land which qualifies for differential property tax assessment pursuant to the “Farmland Assessment Act of 1964,” P.L. 1964, c. 48 (C. 54:4-23.1 et seq.), and which is included in an agricultural development area, may petition the board for the creation of a farmland preservation program. The petition shall include a map of the boundaries of the proposed farmland preservation program and any other information deemed appropriate by the board.

b. Approval of the petition by the board and creation of the farmland preservation program shall be signified by an agreement between the board and the landowner to retain the land in agricultural production for a minimum period of 8 years. The agreement shall constitute a restrictive covenant and shall be filed and recorded with the county clerk in the same manner as a deed.

L.1983, c. 32, s. 13, eff. Jan. 26, 1983, operative Jan. 26, 1983.