Agricultural and Farmland Protection
Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board
The Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board was established by the Genesee County Legislature in 1993 under Resolution No. 19 in accordance with NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, Section 302. The Board consists of eleven (11) members and provides critical advice to the Legislature on the creation, modification, continuation, or termination of agricultural districts in Genesee County. The Board also issues recommendations on the Agricultural District Annual Enrollment and Smart Growth Plan revisions. Additionally, the Board reviews local plans and responds to utility extension Notices of Intent from municipalities regarding water and sewer line extensions through agricultural district lands.
Board Composition
NYS Agriculture and Markets Law specifies the Board's membership, which includes:
- Four (4) active farmers
- One (1) agri-business representative
- One (1) unspecified county resident
- Chair of the Soil & Water Conservation District
- County Legislator
- Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension or designee
- Director of Planning
- Director of Real Property
Additionally, one member may represent an organization dedicated to agricultural land preservation. Board members serve four-year terms with no term limits.
Next Meeting:
October 15, 2024(PDF, 485KB), at 11:00 AM, at County Building 2, 3837 W. Main Street Rd., Batavia.
Agenda and meeting packet will be linked when available.
Current Board Members
Donn Branton, Chairperson, Farmer
Janice Beglinger, Agriculture Outreach Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Steven Boldt, Farmer
Kevin Andrews, Director, Real Property Tax Services
Christian Yunker, County Legislator
LuAnne McKenzie, Farmer
Dennis Phelps, Chair, Soil & Water Conservation District
Janette Veazey-Post, Farmer
Felipe Oltramari, Director of Planning
Anthony Colangelo, Agri-Business
Vacant, Farmland Preservation
Staff:
Tim Welch, Soil & Water Conservation Technician
Meeting Minutes
2024
2023
2022
2021
Previous Years
Agricultural Districts
New York State's Agricultural District Law (enacted in 1971) conserves and protects agricultural land. This law allows landowners to propose agricultural districts, which provide protections such as relief from nuisance claims and certain local regulations. There are four Agricultural Districts in Genesee County, and participation is voluntary and free.
Landowners in these districts benefit from the legal protections provided by the program. Agricultural Districts are reviewed every eight years by the County Legislature, during which landowners may choose to enroll or withdraw their parcels.
To check your current Agricultural District Enrollment Status, use the County’s Web Mapping Application.
Agricultural Districts Annual Enrollment
Each year, Genesee County holds a 30-day enrollment period from January 26th to February 24th. This time is designated for landowners to submit requests for the inclusion of their properties in certified agricultural districts. Eligible properties must be primarily viable agricultural land, defined as lands composed of at least 51% prime farmland soils or contiguous to the main farm operation.
Applications are available at the following locations:
- County Clerk of the Legislature's Office, Old Courthouse, 7 Main Street, Batavia
- County Office Real Property Tax Services, County Building No. 1, 15 Main Street, Batavia
- Department of Planning, County Building No. 2, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia
- Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, 29 Liberty Street, Suite 3, Batavia
Applications can also be downloaded and must be returned by 5:00 PM on February 24th. Please note that applications cannot be accepted before January 26th.
Important: Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment in the district or qualification for a reduced agricultural property tax assessment. For tax assessment information, contact your local assessor before the March 1st Taxable Status Date.