NOTICE OF ANNUAL 30-DAY PERIOD TO REQUEST INCLUSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND WITHIN AN EXISTING AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT IN STEUBEN COUNTY
From the Steuben County Planning Office,
Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b was enacted to provide for the designation of an annual 30-day period during which landowners may submit requests for inclusion of predominately viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district. Steuben County has designated February 15 through March 17, 2025 as this 30-day period. The Steuben County Planning Department encourages farmers to enroll their land in an Agricultural District by March 17, 2025
Agricultural property owners may request inclusion of viable agricultural land not already included in a certified NYS Agricultural District. The property owner must demonstrate that the agricultural land is viable or actively farmed. The property owner must also supply the owner name and tax map number of the property. Only whole parcels are eligible for inclusion. Owner name, tax map number, and agricultural status of the property may be emailed to Planning@SteubenCountyNY.gov or, preferably, this form may be obtained here:
https://www.steubencountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/810/Agricultural-District-303b-Addition-Request-Form-PDF?bidId= and sent to the address on the form.
Requests will be reviewed by the Steuben County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board, after which time, the Board will request a public hearing and approval by the Steuben County Legislature. Once approved by the County Legislature, the proposal is forwarded to New York State Agriculture and Markets for certification.
The purpose of agricultural districting is to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production. Detailed information about Agricultural Districts may be found here:
https://www.steubencountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/811/Agricultural-Districts-FAQ-PDF?bidId=
If you have any questions about enrolling in an agricultural district contact the Steuben County Planning Department, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810, (607) 664-2268, or email Planning@SteubenCountyNY.gov
