Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board

Courthouse, 48 Court Street, Canton, New York 13617-1169 (315) 379-2292

In accordance with NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, Section 302 and St. Lawrence County Resolution 276-92, the Board of Legislators has the authority to appoint an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board of eleven (11) members to advise it related to establishment, modification, continuation, or termination of agricultural districts within St. Lawrence County.

Membership shall include four (4) active farmers, one (1) agri-business representative, and one (1) unspecified member residing in the County, as well as the following positions who shall serve for terms coterminous with their respective offices: Chair of the Soil & Water Conservation District, Member of the Board of Legislators, Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension or his/her designee, Director of Planning, and the Director of Real Property. One of the above may represent “an organization dedicated to agricultural land preservation.” Term: Four years, no limit.

Agendas & Meeting Minutes

Useful Resources

2020 BOL Resolution 132-2020 - Resolution regarding the siting of solar arrays on farmland & requiring the issuance of PILOTS.

Ag Resource Directory (Updated 07/30/18) – Describes technical assistance and financial resources available to farm operations and agribusinesses in St. Lawrence County.
Agricultural Landowner Guide – Includes comprehensive descriptions about tax benefits available to agricultural land owners in New York State.
Internet Mapping Application – Online maps that depict parcel boundaries, satellite imagery, wetlands, zoning, prime soils, ag district boundaries, and real property land classifications.
Agricultural Districts 1 & 2 – Farmland in these districts can be protected under Agriculture and Markets Law from unreasonable land use regulations and nuisance lawsuits.
Right to Farm Local Law – St. Lawrence County’s Law which outlines a voluntary mediation process that can be used by the farming community to resolve disputes.
Ag Development Plan – Adopted in December 2016, this plan assesses the County’s agricultural industry and trends; summarizes public input on issues for the County to address; and includes goals and actions prepared by a variety of organizations that serve the agricultural community.