Sullivan County Opens Applications for Ag Districts 1 and 4

By Blake Jackson

Sullivan County is now accepting applications from landowners who wish to include their properties in New York State Agricultural Districts 1 and 4. The application period runs from April 1 to April 30, offering a 30-day window for submissions.

New York State Agricultural Districts are designated areas primarily composed of viable agricultural land. These districts provide benefits and protections to agricultural operations, ensuring the continuation of farming and the preservation of farmland.

These advantages include protection from overly restrictive local laws, limitations on assessments for new benefit districts, and notifications about projects that may negatively impact farmland.

Sullivan County has two Agricultural Districts: District 1, covering northern and western towns, and District 4, encompassing eastern and southern towns. To qualify for inclusion, parcels must consist predominantly of viable agricultural land.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law defines this as land highly suited for agricultural production, which remains economically feasible for such use if taxes, restrictions, and speculative activities are limited.

During the application period, property owners can request to add their land to these districts. Applications are available by contacting Melinda Meddaugh at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County at 845-292-6180 x116 or mm2592@cornell.edu.

The Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will review all applications and make recommendations to the County Legislature. The Legislature will then hold a public hearing and vote on each recommended addition.

After County approval, an updated district map and report will be submitted to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for state-level approval.

Once approved, property owners will be notified by mail, and tax records will be updated. Applicants can expect notification by winter.

For more information on the benefits of agricultural districts and to view maps of Sullivan County’s districts, visit www.sullivancce.org/agriculture/farmland-protection-ag-districts-vs-assessments. This resource provides detailed information on how agricultural districts support farming and protect valuable farmland.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer