Cattaraugus County is home to a vibrant and diverse agricultural industry.  The Planning division provides critical services to the agricultural community.

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan

In 2007, the Cattaraugus County Legislature adopted the county's first Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. In 2020, a new plan was adopted. Read more about the Plan.

Agricultural District

The County currently has 1 NYS Certified Agricultural Districts. Visit here to read more about the County's Agricultural Districts Program.

Annual 30-Day Inclusion

NYS Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b provides 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 agricultural district. Cattaraugus County has designated January 2nd through January 31st of each year as this 30-day period. Landowners seeking inclusion into an 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.

Landowner Request for Inclusion Form

Either:

• Fill it out online (preferred)
• or download a form using the link above
• or request a hard copy of the form, contact a staff member of planning or by email Planning using the contact form and email the completed form to, or fax to (716) 938-2779.

Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board

This 11-member board advises the County Legislature on agricultural issues, and is tasked with implementing the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. Learn more about this Board.

Cattaraugus County Right-To-Farm Law

In 1995 the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed its own right-to-farm law to protect farmers and agricultural land from nuisance complaints and disputes. Read more about this law. Cattaraugus County values agriculture as a vital and important component of the landscape and economy of the County.  In recognition of this, the County adopted a right-to-farm local law in 1995 to provide comprehensive right-to-farm protections for farmers and farm landowners.

Catt. County Ag Website

The Ag website for Cattaraugus County is at AgCatt.com

Contact Us About Ag

For more information on agriculture in Cattaraugus County and the Right-to-Farm Law, please contact the County Planning office.