Agricultural Districts

Enacted in 1971, New York’s Agricultural Districts Law (ADL) is a very effective tool for maintaining lands in agriculture, and ensuring New York’s position as an outstanding agricultural state.

The ADL recognizes that agricultural lands are important and irreplaceable resources, which are in jeopardy of being lost as a result of increasing costs of agricultural businesses, development pressures and regulatory constraints.

The Law seeks to create economic and regulatory incentives which encourage farmers to continue farming. Relying primarily on the initiative of landowners and local governments, with state oversight, the law provides agricultural landowners with a number of benefits and protections.

The Allegany County Board of Legislators has established agricultural districts in the County and at the present time there are four (4) districts in the County.

Each district is reviewed every eight (8) years. Below you will find a listing of the districts and their anniversary dates. Review of these districts commences 300 days prior to anniversary date. An open season for entry into an Ag District has been set by the County Board of Legislators for each October.