Notice of Annual 30-Day Period to request inclusion of Agricultural Land within an existing Agricultural District in Cattaraugus County.

Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b was enacted in 2003 to provide for the designation of an annual 30-day period during which landowners may submit requests for the inclusion of predominately viable agricultural land into an existing certified agricultural district. Cattaraugus County has designated January 2 through January 31, 2025 as this 30-day period. Landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district must submit a “Landowner Request for Inclusion” form to the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism by the January 31st deadline. 

To request a paper form, contact Connor Maxwell, at 716-938-2387 or csmaxwell@cattco.org.  Forms and information are available online at: https://www.CattCo.gov/Ag-Land-Inclusion

A public hearing will be scheduled at a later date to consider all inclusion requests and the related recommendations of the Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.

The Agricultural Districts Law was created in 1971 to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural production. The Program is based on a combination of landowner incentives and protections, all of which are designed to forestall the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Benefits include protections against overly restrictive local laws, government funded acquisition or construction projects, and private nuisance suits involving agricultural practices. Agricultural operations within the district are the priority land use and afforded benefits and protections to promote the continuation of farms and the preservation of agricultural land. This should not be confused with the agricultural assessment program which allows eligible farmland to be taxed at its agricultural assessment. Land owners should see their local assessor to find out more information on agricultural assessment for their parcel(s).

Ag Districts

Learn more about Agricultural Districts in Cattaraugus County.