ORANGE CO., N.Y. — Orange County is reviewing Agricultural Districts 1 & 2 in 2020. The purpose of the review is to check to see if the districts are achieving their objectives, and to make modifications to the districts if needed. If you have property that could need to change status (come into or out of the district or be amended), you should visit the Orange County Department of Planning website at: https://www.orangecountygov.com/258/Agricultural-Districts. Applications and additional information are available there. Or call the office at 845-615-3840 and ask for Jen MacLeod. The application deadline is April 15, 2020.
If you are unaware of the current status of your property, please visit the Orange County Real Property site at https://www.orangecountygov.com/612/Parcel-Information to utilize Image Mate. You will need your parcel identification (found on your property tax bill) to search.
Agricultural Districts are designations that were established by the state legislature in 1971 when the Article 25-AA of the Agriculture & Markets Law was enacted. Its purpose is to protect and promote the availability of land for farming purposes. Subsequent amendments have broadened its scope and protections for farmers. Counties manage the preliminary stages of creation or modification of an Agricultural District. After the County submits a resolution approving or modifying a district, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets certifies that a district meets the purpose and intent of the Agricultural District Law. Orange County is in the early stages of modifying Districts 1 and 2 for 2020.
Agricultural district designation and review is not related to agricultural assessment for property taxes or agricultural zoning.
Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships provide programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities. For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234 or visit our website at www.cceorangecounty.org.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County
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