Agricultural District Annual Enrollment Process and Procedures:

Putnam County has an annual enrollment period for viable farmland to be considered for inclusion into the Putnam County Agricultural District #1.  During the month of April, landowners can petition to have their viable farmland enrolled into the County Agricultural District by filling out the Putnam County Annual Enrollment Form and submitting it to the Putnam County Legislature.  The submitted form(s) will then be reviewed by the Putnam County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (PCAFPB) during the month of May. As part of the review process a farm visit will also occur during the month of May.  The PCAFPB by AML Article 25AA is charged with determining whether the land to be included in the agricultural district consists predominantly of “viable agricultural land” as defined in §301. – 7 of AML Article 25AA and the inclusion of such land would serve the public interest by assisting in maintaining a viable agricultural industry within the agricultural district.  Once the PCAFPB has completed their review, the Board will vote and then provide their recommendations to the County Legislature.

The county legislature’s Physical Services Committee reviews the PCAFPB’s recommendations (landowners are encouraged to attend this meeting) and moves their decision to the full Legislative Board. Prior to the full Legislature Board vote a public hearing is held (again landowners are encouraged to attend in case there are concerns or questions).

After the full Legislature Board votes on either to adopt or reject the inclusion of land parcels that petitioned to be included in Putnam Agricultural District #1, a letter, maps, and county resolution is then sent to the Commissioner of the NYS Agriculture and Markets for certification.  Once certified by NYS Agriculture and Markets, the tax parcels immediately become part of the County Agricultural District #1.

Under NYS Agriculture and Markets required programmatic eight-year review, the County Legislature must review established agricultural district to evaluate the district's viability, progress, and local plan consistency, allowing land owners to propose any parcel additions or removals during a 30-day enrollment window.  The Law requires the County to contact all property owners within the agricultural district who then must advise if they would like to remain in or request removal from the district. All parcels will be evaluated even if they haven’t been in the agricultural district for the entire 8 years.