SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — One of the greatest challenges the agricultural industry faces today is assuring that valuable farmland resources remain available for productive use.

Residents may be surprised to learn that there are more than 19,500 acres of farmland in the Schenectady County Agricultural District, accounting for nearly 14% of the county’s total land area.

The goal of the Agricultural District is to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production and maintain and enhance the agricultural industry within Schenectady County. Inclusion provides a combination of landowner incentives and protections, all of which are designed to forestall the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.

The Schenectady County Legislature is committed to our agricultural industry and actively encourages local farmers and other agricultural landowners to request inclusion in the Agricultural District.

Besides its value to produce food, agricultural land provides many environmental benefits including groundwater recharge, open space, and scenic viewsheds.

Maintaining agricultural land protects high quality soils, limits sprawl, preserves historical integrity, provides recreational opportunities, and maintains air and water quality.

Each December, we accept applications to enroll property in the Agricultural District. We encourage farmers, future farmers, and other agricultural property owners to consider enrolling in the district to help preserve farmland throughout Schenectady County.

An application form may be found at www.SchenectadyCounty.com/ed-planning. For more information call the Schenectady County Department of Economic Development and Planning at 518-386-2225 ext. 226.

Applications must be received by Dec. 31, 2021.