Schenectady, N.Y. — Judy Dagostino, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, has announced that Schenectady County is accepting applications from land owners interested in becoming part of the County’s agricultural district. Under New York State Law, the County is required to establish an annual review period to give land owners an opportunity to request inclusion in the Agricultural District. Applications will be accepted until February 1, 2013.
“Schenectady County is has a long history of support our local farmers and growers through events like Farm and Foliage Day and our numerous farmers’ markets that showcase our locally grown produce,” said Chair Dagostino. “We encourage any and all local farmers and growers to request inclusion in the agricultural district.”
The goal of the Agricultural District is to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production and enhance the agricultural industry within Schenectady County. The district provides a combination of landowner incentives and protections, all of which are designed to forestall the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.
Schenectady County’s Agricultural District, originally formed in 1988, is undergoing a comprehensive eight-year review as required by the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. The County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will include any parcels proposed for inclusion under this review period in its report and recommendation to the County Legislature regarding the eight-year review. There are currently 348 parcels and 19,192 acres of land within the County Agricultural District.
Requests for inclusion in the Agricultural District must be submitted by February 1, 2013 to the Schenectady County Department of Economic Development and Planning located at 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 303, Schenectady, NY 12308. Application forms can be obtained from the County web site at www.schenectadycounty.com/agdistrict or by contacting Steve Feeney at the Department of Economic Development and Planning (386-2225) or steve.feeney@schenectadycounty.com.