According to a press release from the Schenectady County Legislature, under New York State Law, the county is required to establish an annual 30-day review period to give land owners a chance request inclusion into the Agricultural District.
"Schenectady County is committed to our agricultural industry and encourage local farmers and growers to request inclusion in the agricultural district," said Schenectady County Chairwoman, Democrat Susan Savage in a statement. "This program is just one part of our ongoing effort to promote agriculture in Schenectady County that also includes Farm and Foliage Day, Celebrating Schenectady's Bounty, a month-long celebration of local food, and our expanded Farmers Markets that showcase our locally grown produce."
The Agriculture District in Schenectady County will maintain a viable agricultural industry within the county. There are currently 381 parcels in the district which is compromised of 18,415 acres or approximately 14 percent of the county's total land area, according to a release from the county legislature.
After the 30 day review is complete, all applications will be reviewed by the county's Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, a public hearing will be held at the legislature and a final vote will be taken to include the additional parcels, according to the press release.
The Schenectady County Legislature states that requests for inclusion in the district must be submitted by Dec. 20, 2009,to the Schenectady County Department of Economic Development and Planning, 107 Nott Terrace, Suite 303, Schenectady, NY, 12308. Request must include a description of the land including the principal farm enterprise being undertaken, telephone number and a tax map identification number for each parcel to be included. A worksheet to guide applicants in applying for the inclusion in the Agricultural District on www.schenectadycounty.com. Applicants may also contact the Department of Economic Development and Planning at 386-2225.
