Articles From Farmland Preservation News

Farmland Preservation Is Succeeding

Some folks have the mistaken belief that the Purchase of Development Rights program is just too costly. Some believe that achieving a goal of 80 percent preservation would never work through the PDR program, (there just isn't enough money) and that upzoning is the only tool in the box. Rumor has it the sky is falling.

Farmland Protection: A Key Element for Viable Agriculture

By Nathan L Rudgers Commissioner

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Suffolk County and its five eastern Long Island towns have had a long history of farmland and open space protection. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports their efforts to strengthen the agricultural industry and further protect their remaining farmland. While the costs associated with the region's farmland protection efforts may seem daunting, many studies from across the nation have shown that the funds invested for such purposes help to better maintain property tax levels over time, while protecting critical farmland, priceless open space, and natural resources such as drinking water supplies.

Suffolk County Leads The Way In Farmland Preservation

From Suffolk County Legislator Michael Caracciolo

Suffolk County is experiencing a rapid decline in the amount of farmland acreage in production, despite a long-standing commitment to farmland preservation. Farming requires a critical mass of activity to sustain the infrastructure of related business on which it depends. Despite all of our accomplishments, we must do more.

From The Office of Senator Kenneth P. LaValle

As I reflect on my years as representative of the First Senate District, one on the issues of greatest concern has been the preservation of open space and the East End's agricultural way of life.While the Farmland Preservation Program I sponsored has been a tremendous resource in this effort, I realize when drafting this initiative that it would be only the beginning. Keeping farmers on their land and Suffolk County the top-producing agricultural county in New York State would require continued perseverance and determination.

A Letter from Harold Watts --

President of Long Island Wine Council:

Preservation of farmland and open country in Southold is a near universal goal, and the Blue Ribbon Commission has done a major service in considering alternatives and recommending policies. But they haven't ended the controversy. I would like to inject a critical element into the discussion - namely the long run economic viability of any proposed preservation element. It must be clear that population pressure will continue to increase the demand for residential property – the more so if the rural character is successfully maintained. The expected price rises are, indeed, already capitalized into the current prices of real estate.

ADDRESSING THE PRESERVATION OF THE NORTH FORK’S

RURAL WAY OF LIFE: SOUTHOLD TOWNSHIP – A PLAN THAT WORKS

Women and Farming on the North Fork - Karen Rivara

By: Becky Wiseman, former Associate Director Long Island Farm Bureau

Summer 2002:  After many twists and turns in the road I arrived at Karen Rivara's farm and was greeted by an Osprey's call as it landed in the tree above us. I could have known from that moment my tour would be a most unique and amazing experience.

SAVE OUR FARMS

To preserve farms on the North Fork, local government needs to purchase development rights on land threatened by development. Once this is done, the land will remain forever agriculture - not housing. Federal, state, county and town funding now exists to do just that without increasing local taxes.

Who Is Long Island Farm Bureau?

Long Island Farm Bureau is a volunteer organization governed by a board of directors. Headquartered in Calverton, LIFB represents the agricultural and marine industries, as well as non-farming individuals and businesses throughout Long Island. At Long Island Farm Bureau we believe the rural way of life is important to farmers as well as non-farmers alike. Wide-open spaces, fresh healthy food, and the wise management of natural resources are issues which engage all of us. Long Island Farm Bureau has a proud history of working effectively for the rights of all rural property owners.

Farm Bureau, A Retrospect

“Farm Bureau” was founded in 1911 in Broome County, New York by a group of farmers who wanted representation to deal with the changing face of agriculture in their area. They wanted an organization that would fight for their rights, promote and serve agriculture, disseminate educational information and teach them about the best farming practices available to them. Nearly a century later, Farm Bureau is still working to carry out farmer's wishes dealing with the continually changing face of agriculture not only in New York, but in the United States as well. Currently, there are over 5 million Farm Bureau members throughout the United States!

WIND ENERGY AT WORK FOR LONG ISLAND

There is now a working windmill gracing  the landscape in Calverton. It's quite a sight actually. It's sleek, quiet and unobtrusive as it sits among the growing corn stalks...