Sullivan County farmers eye opportunity as agricultural district window opens

MONTICELLO- As Spring approaches and fields begin to stir back to life, Sullivan County is offering local property owners a chance to secure the future of their farmland.

Beginning April 1 and running through April 30, landowners can apply to have their properties included in New York State Agricultural Districts 1 and 4, which will bring both protection and promise to working farms.

For many in the county’s rural communities, these districts represent more than lines on a map.  They serve as a safeguard, helping farms continue operating in the face of development pressures and shifting local regulations.  Properties within the districts benefit from protections against overly restrictive local laws, limits on certain tax assessments, and advance notice of nearby projects that could impact agricultural land.

Sullivan County’s two districts divide the region geographically. Agricultural District 1 stretches across the northern and western towns, while District 4 covers the eastern and southern portions of the county.  Together, they form a patchwork of preserved farmland that officials hope will continue to grow.

But not every parcel qualifies. To be considered, land must meet the state’s definition of “viable agricultural land,” ground that is not only suitable for farming today but likely to remain economically productive in the future, provided outside pressures like high taxes, and development are kept in check.

During this month-long window, interested property owners can submit applications to have their land reviewed.  The process begins with a simple request, either by phone or email, to obtain the necessary forms.

From there, the Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board evaluates each application, forwarding its recommendations to the County Legislature.  After a public hearing, legislators will decide which properties to approve for inclusion.  Final approval rests with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, after which successful applicants will be notified and official records updated.