NOTICE TO OWNERS OF VIABLE FARMLAND IN DUTCHESS COUNTY
Pursuant to Section 303-b of the NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Article 25AA, the Dutchess County Legislature has designated the period April 15 through May 14, 2026, during which Dutchess County landowners who own "predominately viable agricultural land" may request that their land be newly included in the Couty's Agricultural District 21. In order to be considered for such inclusion, an application must be made on or before May 14, 2026. Only parcels judged to be "predominately viable agricultural land" will be included. The application is to be completed online and is available at https://gis/dutchessny.gov/ag-districts/. If you require assistance with applying, please contact the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District office at 845-677-8011 ext. 3 or apply in person at the Farm & Home Center 2715 Route 44, Suite 3, Millbrook, NY 12545. Landowners whose parcels are already included in an Agricultural District are not required to apply as part of the annual inclusion process.
Inclusion in an Agricultural District provides potential right-to-farm protections for qualifying farm businesses, including protection against laws that unreasonably regulate farm operations in agricultural districts, limited protection from private nuisance claims, and notification of property buyers about farming practices prior to the purchase of property in agricultural districts.
The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board will review applications and submit a report to the Dutchess County Legislature, which will hold a public hearing in July and forward any approved applications to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for certification. Only parcels judged to be "predominately viable agricultural land," pursuant to Section 303-b of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law will be included.
GREGORY TOTINO
DEPUTY CLERK, DUTCHESS COUNTY LEGISLATURE
