Ag Districts protect farms and neighboring properties

Ag District Open Enrollment Period

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 8:00 AM - Friday, November 19@ 5:00 PM

Ag Districts in Essex County

New York State instituted the Agricultural Districts Law in 1971. Landowners may apply to induct land used for farming into the Ag District in order to officially designate the land as "agricultural". The main incentive for this designation is to protect a landowner's "Right to Farm." Farming may come with noise, odors, etc that a neighbor may object to, but if farmland is part of the Ag District, and the farmer is following best management practices, the farmer is protected legal action from neighbors. In addition, realtors are obligated to advise land-seekers when land is near Ag District properties, in order to protect neighbors as well.

Before you consider applying to be part of the Ag District, please FIRST check the Essex County GIS Tax Map Viewer , which now has a layer where you can see Ag District parcels. Go to the right of the map, click layers, click Essex County, and choose "Ag District". You may need to zoom in for this layer to activate.

You may apply to be in the Ag District from October 20-Nov 19th by filling out the Agricultural District Review Worksheet and emailing it (or mailing it) to Carly Summers.

The Farmland Protection Board will vote on your application, based on the level and status of agricultural use, soils, and proximity to other farmland.

NYS Agriculture and Markets has developed a number of guidance documents for both municipalities and farmer regarding Agricultural Districts. The website also contains more information on Sound Agricultural Practices and department reviews.

Click here to visit NYS Agriculture & Markets website

Guidelines and Information Regarding Section 305-a Review of Restrictive Laws

Ag Districts Q&A Fact Sheet by Sullivan County

NYS Agriculture & Markets Ag Districts Brochure

Ag Disclosure Notice for Realtors