Question 1

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

Farms must be in Washington or Rensselaer County.

Selection of pre-applications from eligible farms will be based on three primary factors as outlined by the state:

Agricultural viability – What proportion of the farm contains productive soils? Is a large percentage of the total farm acreage used for agricultural production? Is it a viable commercial operation? Does the farm demonstrate a high level of management? Do the owners have a succession plan in place? Is the farm located near any protected farm properties?
Evidence of significant development pressure – Is the farm near parcels that have been sold, or are for sale, for development or converted to other uses other than agriculture? Is there likelihood that the farm will be converted to non-farm uses in the near future?
Buffer for a significant natural public resource important ecosystem or habitat characteristics – Is the farm near or adjacent to a natural public resource i.e., a river or tributaries, lake, reservoir, public park, state forest, nature preserve, important wetlands or aquifers, etc.? Is the resource listed as a priority in the NYS Open Conservation Plan? Does the farm incorporate any measures that support climate resiliency?

Secondary factors that are part of the state ranking:

Evidence of Local Support - Does the Town actively promote and encourage agriculture and the use of conservation easements? Does it have a town Farmland Protection Plan or a Comprehensive Plan that supports farmland conservation? Is the project or project area listed as a priority in the plan? Has the Town adopted a Right to Farm ordinance?
Cost Effectiveness of Project – Is the project cost effective given the cost-per acre for estimated value of development rights? Is it cost effective in consideration of the percentage of total project costs contributed by non-State sources?

Question 2

When do applications close?

Accepted Answer

October 31, 2022

New York Purchase of Development Rights Program