Albany County Local Ag

THIRTY DAY OPEN PERIOD FOR ALBANY COUNTY
AGRICULTURE DISTRICTS #1, #2 & #3

As a result of the addition of Section 303-b to the Agriculture and Markets law,
landowners have the opportunity to apply to have their land added to one of the three
agricultural districts in the county each year.

The Albany County Legislature designated an annual 30-day open period to begin each year starting on February 1st to run for a period of 30 days.

If you own land or rent your land for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity,
you should think about placing your land in an Agricultural District during this 30-day period.

To find out more information about the benefits of placing your land in an
Agricultural District and to receive a copy of the application form, contact:

Tom Gallagher, CCE Albany County
518-577-0958 | tjg3@cornell.edu

Susan Lewis, Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District
518-765-7923 | susan.lewis@ny.nacdnet.net

OR
online at:

https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/economic-development-conservation-and-planning/albany-county-agricultural-districts

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Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County is unique among local organizations in offering a continuum of education and resources that enable it to address a food systems issues in a holistic way. By working at a food-system level, we can more effectively respond to cross-cutting needs such as food safety, food access, local agriculture and community infrastructure. We offer resources for farmers, and consumers that span the food system.

For Farmers
Resources include farm production and marketing to help increase the number of farms and farm profitability through workshops, business planning, and consulting on technical production and marketing. Through regional collaborations among five counties, Extension Agricultural Educators consult on sustainable production practices in dairy and field crops, livestock, vegetable and fruits, and agroforestry. New or beginning farmers will find information on soils and climate, and links to publications and websites focused on how to start a farm or find suitable land for agricultural endeavors. Other efforts are directed toward increasing opportunities for year-round food sales through season extension, processing, and by developing new connections between local farms and wholesale or institutional buyers,

For Consumers
Strong farmer-consumer connections result in a strong local foods system in which consumers identify and appreciate the value of local products, foods are produced and consumed locally, "food miles" and our carbon footprint are reduced, and dollars keep circulating here to strengthen our local economy.

Last updated January 16, 2026