Monroe County to begin accepting applications for agricultural district program

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Any Monroe County landowners who want to request a parcel of agricultural land be added to a state-certified agricultural district can start applying immediately.

Inclusion into the Agricultural District Program affords tax parcels certain legal protections for activities considered agriculture under state law. The program aims to protect and promote the availability of land for farming purposes by providing a framework to limit unreasonable local regulation on farm practices, limit the ability of local agencies to acquire farmland by eminent domain and limit local government ability to use public funds to build facilities that encourage the development of farmland.

The county says only whole tax parcels of predominantly viable agricultural land are eligible for inclusion in an agricultural district. After March 30, all applications will be referred to the Monroe County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, which then has 30 days to report on the proposed additions and make a recommendation to the County Legislature.

Landowners who wish to apply must submit their request form by the March 30 deadline via email or to David Grant, Clerk of the Legislature at:

Room 407
County Office Building
39 W. Main St.
Rochester, New York 14614