Monticello, NY – Sullivan County landowners can apply to add their property to New York State Agricultural Districts 1 and 4 from April 1 to April 30, 2025. The 30-day application window aims to support the preservation of farmland and promote continued agricultural production in the county.
Agricultural Districts are defined by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as areas predominantly consisting of viable agricultural land. These districts provide benefits to farmers, including protection from restrictive local laws, limitations on assessments for new benefit districts, and advance notice of projects that could impact farmland.
Two Agricultural Districts exist in Sullivan County: District 1 covers the northern and western towns, while District 4 encompasses the eastern and southern regions.
To be eligible for inclusion, land must be classified as “viable agricultural land,” according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law. This definition encompasses land highly suitable for agricultural production and economically feasible for continued agricultural use under current tax rates, farm use restrictions, and speculative activities.
Property owners can obtain applications from Melinda Meddaugh at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County by calling 845-292-6180 x116 or emailing mm2592@cornell.edu.
The Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will review applications and submit recommendations to the County Legislature. Following a public hearing, the Legislature will vote on each proposed addition. Approved applications will then be submitted to the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for final approval. Upon approval, applicants will be notified by mail and property tax records will be updated accordingly.
For further details on the benefits of agricultural districts and to access maps of Sullivan County’s existing districts, interested individuals can visit www.sullivancce.org/agriculture/farmland-protection-ag-districts-vs-assessments.