Monroe County begins review of Agricultural Districts No. 5 and No. 6 with public input opportunity

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is once again evaluating its agricultural districts as part of the required eight-year review process under Article 25AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. This review affects Agricultural Districts No. 5 and No. 6, allowing landowners to request modifications, including adding or removing property from the districts. In addition, Monroe County is opening its annual 30-day window for landowners to request the inclusion of viable agricultural land in an established state-certified agricultural district. The 2025 addition period runs from March 1 to March 30.

The agricultural district program is designed to protect and promote the local farming industry by providing benefits such as protection against overly restrictive local regulations and certain tax advantages. Landowners who wish to request modifications to the districts must submit written requests to the Clerk of the Monroe County Legislature by the March 30 deadline. Forms are available online at www.monroecounty.gov/farmland. Requests can be sent via mail to the Clerk of the Legislature, County Office Building, Room 407, 39 West Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614, or by email to [email protected].

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Following the submission period, all modification requests and a comprehensive report on the districts will be forwarded to the Monroe County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board. This board has 30 days to review the information, assess local land use practices, and determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the districts.

Public engagement is a key aspect of the review process. The Monroe County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will host two Public Information Meetings to discuss the district review and answer community questions. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Ogden Community Center, located at 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport, NY. The second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Pittsford Community Center, Room 107, located at 35 Lincoln Ave, Pittsford, NY.

Additionally, a Public Hearing will be held before the Planning and Economic Development Committee before any final action is taken by the County Legislature. Details about this hearing will be published in local newspapers, posted on the Monroe County website, and sent to affected landowners and municipalities.

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Monroe County’s Agricultural District No. 5 covers approximately 96,475 acres across multiple towns and villages, including Chili, Clarkson, Gates, Greece, Hamlin, Ogden, Parma, Riga, Sweden, and Wheatland, as well as the Villages of Churchville, Hilton, and Spencerport. Meanwhile, Agricultural District No. 6 spans roughly 46,994 acres, covering parts of Brighton, Henrietta, Penfield, Perinton, Pittsford, Mendon, Rush, and Webster, as well as the Villages of Honeoye Falls and Pittsford. Both districts were originally established between 1973 and 1976 and continue to support Monroe County’s rich agricultural history and economic stability.

A map of the affected districts is available for public inspection at the office of the Clerk of the Monroe County Legislature, as well as online at the Monroe County Planning Division website, www.monroecounty.gov/farmland.

For more information, landowners and residents are encouraged to reach out to Bob King at Monroe Community College’s Agricultural and Life Sciences Institute. He can be contacted at (585) 292-2065 or via email at [email protected].

The agricultural district program plays a crucial role in preserving farmland, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Monroe County encourages all stakeholders to participate in the review process to help shape the future of agriculture in the region.