MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development has implemented three different agricultural planning projects, aiming to aid local farmers.
The Farmland Protection Plan was updated last week, with the program awarded a $50,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and markets. They also received a $30,000 grant from the Chautauqua Regional Community.
This update intends to provide a basis for the future success and economic viability of agriculture in the country. The end goal is to encourage farmland protection, but increase the public’s interest and awareness for agriculture.
The Agricultural and Community Development Services entered a partnership with the protection program and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County. The group engages with the locals in order to gain a better understanding of the county’s agriculture.
The eight-year review of the agricultural districts from the County Planning Department began in the spring time and has now been completed. They are now starting to head towards the inclusion period with the dates being set for January 2, 2022 to January 31, 2022.
All landowners interested in adding any land to an agricultural district must complete the agricultural district inclusion worksheet and provide a tax map depicting the location of the land within the 30-day review period.
For more information on the Agricultural District Inclusion Process, visit planningchautauqua.com/planning/afpb/ag-dist-inclusion/ or contact Lauren Sharp at (716) 661-8245 or sharpl@chqgov.com.
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