Application for Agricultural District Inclusion
The 2025 Dutchess County Agricultural District enrollment period is now open until May 14th. To apply please visit: https://gis.dutchessny.gov/ag-districts/. For questions regarding this application or agricultural districts, please contact the Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District at 845.677-8011 ext. 3, or the Dutchess County Agricultural Navigator at agnavigator@dutchessny.gov.
Following this application period, the AFPB will review the submitted parcels and make recommendations to the County Legislature for the inclusion of agriculturally viable properties that serve the public interest by assisting in maintaining a viable agricultural industry within the district.
Note: Landowners whose parcels are already included in an Agricultural District are not required to apply as part of the annual inclusion process.
Other Information On Applying for Agricultural District Inclusion
The Agricultural District open enrollment period is April 15th through May 14th. During this time landowners can apply to have their parcel enrolled into Agricultural District 21. Please check back next year for information on how to apply.
Note: You can check to see if your parcel is enrolled in the district here: https://gis.dutchessny.gov/ag-districts/
For more information on the Agricultural District please call Dutchess County Soil and Water or visit:
https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Planning/planning.htm
https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Planning/agriculture.htm
The new County Ag District Mapping Tool can be viewed at https://gis.dutchessny.gov/ag-districts/
New York State Agriculture & Markets
Visit NYS Ag & Markets web page for information as well as Ag District Law
Ag District or Ag Assessment?
Ag District Questions
- What if my property is not included in an Ag District?
Filing for an Ag Value Assessment on your property taxes does not automatically mean the property is included in an Agricultural District. You may file what is known as an Individual Commitment.
- What’s the difference?
If you are included in an Ag District, your farming operation is protected by the New York State Ag and Markets right-to-farm laws. Each town has a variation of what is required for a business (farm are considered a business), and you will be responsible for complying with all town rules and regulations.
- How do I get my property included in the Ag District?
If you feel that your property should be included in an Agricultural District you will need to file a request form with Dutchess County Soil and Water during the annual sign up period. This specific time period is set by the Dutchess County Legislature for annual enrollments. This time period is the only time you can enroll a parcel into the Ag District. Check this website for a form or give us a call at 845-677-8011, ext 3.