West NY News

The Chautauqua County Legislature has set the annual 30-day period from January 2 to January 31, 2025, for landowners to request inclusion of predominantly viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district. This follows New York State Agriculture and Markets Law 303-b.

During this time, landowners can submit written requests for their parcels to be included in the Agricultural District. To qualify, the land must meet the definition of "viable agricultural land" as per Agriculture and Markets Law § 301, subdivision 7. Land already within the district does not need a new request.

To apply, landowners must fill out the Agricultural District Inclusion Worksheet. This requires a written description of the land and its tax map identification number, along with a relevant portion of a tax map showing its location. These documents are available on the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development website at bit.ly/CHQaginclusion. The county's GIS website at bit.ly/CHQgis provides printable maps. Requests should be sent to Lauren Sharp at the Department of Planning and Development by mail or email before 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2025.

After submission, proposed parcels will be reviewed by the Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB). Their recommendations will go to the Planning & Economic Development Legislative Committee for review before being forwarded to the County Legislature for a public hearing. The Legislature will then vote on whether to accept AFPB's recommendations. If approved, these will be sent to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for certification.

An agricultural district is primarily composed of viable agricultural land where farming operations are prioritized and protected to encourage farm continuation and preserve farmland. It differs from the agricultural assessment program that taxes eligible farmland based on its agricultural value regardless of district status.

For more details about this process or information regarding existing Agricultural Districts, visit bit.ly/CHQaginclusion or contact Lauren Sharp at (716) 661-8245 or sharpl@chqgov.com.