N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 300: Declaration of legislative findings and intent

§ 300. Declaration of legislative findings and intent. It is hereby

found and declared that many of the agricultural lands in New York state

are in jeopardy of being lost for any agricultural purposes. When

nonagricultural development extends into farm areas, competition for

limited land resources results. Ordinances inhibiting farming tend to

follow, farm taxes rise, and hopes for speculative gains discourage

investments in farm improvements, often leading to the idling or

conversion of potentially productive agricultural land.

The socio-economic vitality of agriculture in this state is essential

to the economic stability and growth of many local communities and the

state as a whole. It is, therefore, the declared policy of the state to

conserve, protect and encourage the development and improvement of its

agricultural land for production of food and other agricultural

products. It is also the declared policy of the state to conserve and

protect agricultural lands as valued natural and ecological resources

which provide needed open spaces for clean air sheds, as well as for

aesthetic purposes.

The constitution of the state of New York directs the legislature to

provide for the protection of agricultural lands. It is the purpose of

this article to provide a locally-initiated mechanism for the protection

and enhancement of New York state's agricultural land as a viable

segment of the local and state economies and as an economic and

environmental resource of major importance.