Monticello, NY – The Sullivan County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB), established in 1992, seeks two volunteers to help preserve and promote the use of farmland throughout the County.
Under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, counties are required to establish agricultural and farmland protection boards to assist in review of public land acquisition, review of non-farm projects within New York State Certified Agricultural Districts, formation and review of Agricultural Districts and the development and implementation of county and municipal agricultural and farmland protection plans.
The AFPB generally meets quarterly, with occasional visits to properties to evaluate their inclusion into the Agricultural Districts. In addition, during the eight-year comprehensive review of an Agricultural District, members meet to review proposed modifications and prepare recommendations for the County Legislature. The Board also oversees the implementation of the County’s Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan.
At this time there are two volunteer spots available:
- One position for an active farmer
- One position for an active farmer and/or other agricultural stakeholder and/or stakeholder from an organization dedicated to agricultural land preservation.
The term “active farmer” is defined as a person who actively farms land that he or she either owns or rents, and the property is either:
- not less than seven acres of land used as a single operation for the production for sale of crops, livestock or livestock products of an average gross sales value of $10,000 or more; or,
- less than seven acres used as a single operation for the production for sale of crops, livestock or livestock products of an average gross sales value of $50,000 or more.
Terms are four years, upon appointment and confirmation by the Sullivan County Legislature. Volunteers must live in Sullivan County.
Potential volunteers should send a letter of interest and statement of qualifications to AnnMarie Martin, Clerk to the Sullivan County Legislature, Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North Street, PO Box 5012, Monticello, NY 12701 or annmarie.martin@sullivanny.us by January 13, 2023.