Land can be added to Orleans ag districts this month

Press release, Orleans County Planning Department

ALBION – Orleans County is accepting enrollment of additional parcels in certified agricultural districts during the month of June, pursuant to New York State Agricultural and Markets Law.

This annual 30-day window is for inclusion of property which is predominantly viable agricultural land. During this time period, land may only be added and not removed from an agricultural district.

This opportunity does not replace enrollment in an existing agricultural district during the eight-year, formal review process, but allows a once-a-year opportunity for a property owner to request that the County Legislature add parcels to one of Orleans County’s agricultural districts.

The agricultural districting program provides eligible operations right-to-farm protection, among other benefits. Please note that requesting enrollment during this 30-day time period is not a guarantee that property will be added to an existing agricultural district. Moreover, it will not automatically qualify property for a reduced agricultural property tax assessment. For information on obtaining a reduced agricultural property tax assessment, please contact a local assessor.

The eight-year, in-depth reviews are expected to continue for each agricultural district as scheduled.

At the conclusion of June, requests for inclusion in agricultural districts will be reviewed, in order, by the Orleans County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, the Orleans County Legislature, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Enrollment forms are available from the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development. Completed forms should be sent by June 30 to: James Bensley, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, 14016 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.