(Schenectady, NY) Schenectady County announced that applications from landowners interested in becoming part of the County’s agricultural district will be accepted during the month of December. Under New York State Law, the County is required to establish an annual review period to give landowners an opportunity to request inclusion in the Agricultural District. The Schenectady County Legislature has established December 1 to December 30 as the annual application period.
“Schenectady County is fortunate to have more than 140 farms that provide our community with fresh, locally grown produce and a wide range of agricultural products,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Agricultural districts were created to help landowners conserve open space and support the sustainability of farming. We encourage all eligible landowners to apply and be part of this important effort to protect and strengthen our agricultural community.”
The goal of the district is to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production and maintain 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. The Schenectady County Agricultural District consists of 20,175 acres, representing nearly 15 percent of the total land area in the County.
After the 30-day review period is completed, applications will be reviewed by the County’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. A public hearing will be held by the County Legislature and a final vote taken by the Legislature to include additional parcels in the Agricultural District. The application is available at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/ed-planning/ag-district. More information can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development and Planning by calling (518) 386-2225 ext. 226.
Seven parcels totaling 104 acres were added to Schenectady County’s Agricultural District after the 2023 annual review period.