Agriculture has been and continues to be one of Dutchess County's primary industries. Our economy, rural landscape, environment, health, and community character are all positively affected by farms operating here. Our farms provide many benefits to the local community, including:
Although agriculture has changed through time, it continues to evolve and diversify, and plays a significant role in both the economy and quality of life for Dutchess County residents.
A searchable application for local, regional, state, and federal agricultural entities
Funding for the protection of important agricultural and open space resources
A series of free virtual sessions discussing various agricultural topics
The Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) reports to the Dutchess County Legislature concerning matters affecting agriculture and farmland throughout the county. The AFPB also funds projects and activities that help to meet the goals outlined in the Dutchess County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan.
Meetings:
The Dutchess County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board meets on a quarterly basis at the Dutchess County Farm and Home Center (2715 US 44, Millbrook, NY 12545) or virtually, as noted below.
Next Meeting Date: July 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm; Agenda (.pdf)
Agendas & Minutes:
The Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board agendas are posted to the website and distributed shortly before the Board meetings. The Board’s minutes are transcribed by staff from the Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District and distributed to the Board members for their approval at the following meeting. The minutes will be posted after approval from the Board.
2022 Agendas: June 7th (.pdf)
2021 Minutes: Coming Soon
2021 Agendas: June 2nd (.pdf)
2020 Minutes: June 11th (.pdf) | December 9th (.pdf)
2020 Agendas: June 11th (.pdf) | December 9th (.pdf)
Members:
A. Gregg Pulver, Chair, Pulver Farm
Art Collings, Vice Chair, Dutchess Land Conservancy
Peter Coon, Coon Brothers Partnership
Doug Giles, Walbridge Farm
Ed Hackett, Hackett Farm Supply Inc.
Ed Hauser, Dutchess County Legislature
Ken Migliorelli, Migliorelli Farms
Catherine Weisse, Dutchess County Real Property Tax
Jennifer Fimbel, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County
Brian Scoralick, Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District
Eoin Wrafter, Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development
Harry Baldwin, Ex-Officio
Annual Agricultural District Inclusion Process:
On an annual basis, the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) accepts applications from landowners who wish to enroll their parcel(s) into one of Dutchess County’s four Agricultural Districts (i.e. 20, 21, 22, and 23). For more information, please contact the Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District at (845) 677-8011 ext. 3.
Following this application period, the AFPB reviews the submitted parcels and makes recommendations to the County Legislature for the inclusion of agriculturally viable properties that serve the public interest by assisting in maintaining a viable agricultural industry within the district.
Note: Landowners whose parcels are already included in an Agricultural District are not required to apply as part of the annual inclusion process.
Contact Us:
For more information, email the Dutchess County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board, or call (845) 677-8011 ext. 3 or (845) 486-3600.
The Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee reports to and advises the County Executive on issues and policies regarding agriculture and agri-business in the county. This committee also facilitates implementation of the programs outlined in the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan.
Meetings:
The Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee meets on a quarterly basis, either virtually and/or at the Dutchess County Farm and Home Center (2715 US 44, Millbrook, NY 12545).
Next Meeting Date: TBD
Agendas & Minutes:
The Dutchess County Agricultural Advisory Committee agendas are posted to the website and distributed shortly before the Board meetings. The Board’s minutes are transcribed by staff from the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development and distributed to the Board members for their approval at the following meeting. The minutes will be posted after approval from the Board.
2022 Minutes: March 30th (.pdf) (draft)
2022 Agendas: March 30th (.pdf) | June 30th (.pdf)
2021 Minutes: March 11th (.pdf) | June 7th (.pdf) | December 16th (.pdf) (draft)
2021 Agendas: March 11th (.pdf) | June 7th (.pdf) | December 16th (.pdf)
Members:
Matthew Sabellico, Chair, Sabellico Greenhouses & Florist
Rebecca E.C. Thornton, Vice Chair, Dutchess Land Conservancy
Mark Adams, Mark Adams Greenhouses/Farm Bureau
Matthew Cady, G.E. Masten Feeds
Dr. Mark Condon, Dutchess Community College
Isaac Coon, Coon Brothers Farm
Todd Erling, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp.
Jenna Franco, John Jay High School and John Jay FFA
Doug Giles, Dutchess County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board
Cailin Halladay, Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School and Pine Plains FFA
Deanna Mancuso, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue
A. Gregg Pulver, Dutchess County Legislature
Stephanie D. Radin, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County
Brian Scoralick, Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District
Harry Baldwin, Ex-officio
Jennifer Fimbel, Advisor, Agricultural Navigator
Eoin Wrafter, Advisor, Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development
Contact Us:
For more information, email the Planning Department, or call 845-486-3600.
About Us:
The Dutchess County Right-to-Farm Dispute Resolution Committee was established as part of the adoption of Resolution No. 2019178 (LL No. 3 of 2019). The committee acts as a dispute resolution mechanism so that complaints related to farming activities, which cannot be settled by the involved parties themselves, may be submitted to the Committee for their review.
Members:
The committee is composed of the Chair of the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) and the Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development (or their designated representatives), as well as a representative from the NYS Agricultural Mediation Program.
Process:
Once a dispute resolution request has been received, the Committee will meet to discuss the facts surrounding the dispute – all parties are encouraged to partake in these discussions. The committee will render a written, non-binding decision (meaning all parties have the right to request input/guidance from other agencies). The hope is that this may be done prior to, or if desired, alternatively to reaching out to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Contact Us:
If you wish to have the Committee review your complaint, please send an email to the Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, or send a letter to the AFPB (c/o the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District, Dutchess County Farm and Home Center, 2715 US 44, Millbrook, NY 12545).
