Guidance, resources, and training to help your village/town/city become more farm friendly.
Dutchess County Right to Farm Law
If local municipalities would like guidance on farm-friendly regulations or crafting a similar right-to-farm law, please see the following resources:
In 2019, Dutchess County completed a Farm Friendly Audit of all 30 towns and villages. This assessment reviewed how local policies, zoning, and planning practices support agriculture. The audit helps municipalities identify where they are already farm friendly and where improvements can be made. By understanding these strengths and gaps, towns can take steps to better support their farm community, align with county and state agricultural goals, and encourage a more resilient rural economy.
| Topic | Summary Explanation | County Results | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Maybe | No | ||
| Identify/Acknowledge Agriculture | Does the plan explicitly recognize agriculture as a community element? | 38% | 3% | 59% |
| Agricultural Statistics | Are maps or data on farmland included in the plan? | 57% | 0% | 43% |
| Agricultural Impact | Is the value of agriculture incorporated into visions and goals? | 61% | 10% | 29% |
| Agricultural Policies | Are there concrete preservation policies or supportive development tools? | 54% | 3% | 43% |
| Barriers | Do zoning codes or regulations create obstacles for farming? | 26% | 2% | 72% |
