Sullivan County is accepting applications from property owners seeking to be included in New York State Agricultural Districts 1 and 4, for a 30-day window through Apr. 30.

New York State Agricultural Districts are geographic areas that consist predominantly of viable agricultural land. Agricultural operations within the districts are afforded benefits and protections to promote the continuation of farming and the preservation of agricultural land. These benefits include protection of farm operations from unreasonably restrictive local laws, limitations on assessments for newly formed benefit districts, and notification to local governments of projects that could adversely affect farmland.

There are two New York State Agricultural Districts in Sullivan County. Agricultural District 1 encompasses towns in northern and western Sullivan County, and Agricultural District 4 covers the county’s eastern and southern towns.

For parcels to be included in an Ag District, they must be predominantly viable agricultural land. New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law defines “viable agricultural land” as land highly suitable for agricultural production and which will continue to be economically feasible for such use if real property taxes, farm use restrictions and speculative activities are limited to levels approximating those in commercial agricultural areas not influenced by the proximity of non-agricultural development.

During this 30-day window, property owners may request the addition of their land into an Agricultural District. Applications are available by calling Melinda Meddaugh at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County at 845-292-6180, ext. 116, or by emailing her at mm2592@cornell.edu. Applications will be reviewed by the Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.