Marilla Ag Plan Draft Nov 2013

Town of Marilla Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan
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Acknowledgements
The following people have provided invaluable assistance in the preparation of the Town of Marilla Farmland & Agricultural Protection Plan: Steering Committee Participants George Gertz Elizabeth Ackerman Warren Handley Donald Darrow Marilla Town Board Town of Marilla Officials
Farmers and Farmland Owners Erie County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board Erie County Soil & Water Conservation District Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Erie County Department of Economic Development and Planning Mark Rountree, Senior Planner Rachel Chrostowski NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets John Brennan
Planning Consultant: Barbara Johnston, AICP
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TownofMarillaAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan
TableofContents
A. Vision Statement, Goals and Objectives B. Summary of Findings and Recommendations C. Methodology 2 2 3
1. Public/ Stakeholder Input................................................................................................. 3 2. Approval process ............................................................................................................. 4 D. Planning Context 4
1. Town of Marilla Plans and Programs .............................................................................. 4 2. New York State Agricultural Districts Program .............................................................. 7 3. Erie County Plans ............................................................................................................ 8 4. Regional Plans ............................................................................................................... 10 E. Farming in the Town of Marilla 12
1. Community Description ................................................................................................. 12 2. History and Types of Farms ........................................................................................... 12 3. Farmland Resources ....................................................................................................... 16 4. Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Agriculture ................................................................ 18 5. Fiscal impact of agriculture ........................................................................................... 19 F. Farmland targeted for protection G. Development Pressure 20 23
1. Population and Housing Trends ..................................................................................... 23 2. Business Development Trends ....................................................................................... 24 H. Role in Regional Food System I. J. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Agricultural preservation techniques 26 26 28
1. Conservation Easements/ Purchase of Development Rights ......................................... 28
Term easement program (Lease of Development Rights)................................................ 31 3. Zoning and Subdivision Techniques.............................................................................. 31 4. Tax Relief Programs ...................................................................................................... 34 5. Business Development Programs .................................................................................. 35 6. Promotion and Public Information................................................................................. 37 7. Right to Farm Laws .................................................................................................... 37 8. Programs to minimize the impact of water and sewer lines extensions into agricultural areas ..................................................................................................................................... 37 K. Policies 41
1. Support the diversity of farm operations in the Town ................................................... 41 Retain sufficient high quality agricultural land to support farm operations ........................ 42 3. Improve the economic viability of agriculture............................................................... 43 4. Provide information and technical assistance to farmers ............................................... 46 5. Manage development to keep residences away from productive farmland ................... 47 6. Protect environmental quality and support sustainable energy usage ........................... 49 7. Build community support for agriculture ...................................................................... 50 L. Recommended Actions 52
Goal 1. Permanently protect high quality farmland for continued agricultural production 52 Goal 2. Goal 3. Goal 4. Goal 5. M. Improve economic conditions for farming .......................................................... 53 Increase public understanding and support of agriculture in the community. .... 54 Manage non-agricultural development to minimize impacts on agriculture....... 55 Promote environmental protection and sustainability ......................................... 56 58 64
Implementation Strategy Time Frame and Responsible Entities
N. Implementation Strategy
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ListofMaps
1.
LandinAgriculturalDistrict RegionalSetting Topography FarmParcelsbyPropertyClassification AgriculturalSoils ActiveFarmland ProtectedLand FarmlandSuitableforProtection NaturalResources PotentialAgriculturalLandPrimeSoilsNotFarmed ResidentialDevelopmentbyYearBuilt ZoningDistricts ZoningDistrictsandActiveFarmlandbyAgriculturalSoilClassification
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
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List of Appendices A. B. C. D. ResidentsSurveyresultsTownofMarilla2011 ZoningAuditandAnalysisofSubdivisionRegulationsandDevelopmentPatterns Circular1150:NYSAgriculturalDistrictsLaw CostofCommunityServices 1. AmericanFarmlandTrustFactSheet 2. SampleStudyfromAurora,NewYork ParcelswithActivelyFarmedLand,withAcreagesbySoilClassification 1. ParcelList 2. MapwithAgriculturalRating F. ListofParcelswithPotentialFarmland G. InformationaboutWesternNewYorkLandConservancy,NewYorkAgriculturalLand Trust H. InformationaboutNYSPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsprogram 1. Modeleasementforprotectedland 2. NYSRequestforProposalsforFarmlandProtection(PurchaseofDevelopment Rights)200809(mostrecentround) 3. Guidancedocuments I. InformationaboutHarvestNewYorkandotherprogramsofCornellCooperative Extension J. Informationaboutrenewableenergyandenergyefficiencygrantprograms K. TownofMarillaRighttoFarmLaw. L. ModelAgriculturalDataStatement
E.
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A. VisionStatement,GoalsandObjectives
ThevisionforMarilla: Atownwherediverseagriculturalproductionthrivesandwithinaregionalfoodsystem thatsupportsthebusinessoffarmingandinharmonywiththecommunityatlarge. ThegoalofthisPlan: CreateadocumentthatsetsprioritiesfortheTownsinvolvementinlongtermland protectionaswellaspoliciesandregulationsandwhichdocumentsthesignificanceof agricultureintheTown. TheTownsobjectivesareto: RetainsufficienthighqualityfarmlandintheTowntosupportaviableagricultural industry Maintainandadministerlocalpolicies,laws,regulationsandproceduresinamanner thatprovidessupportforagriculturalproductionintheTown. Ensurethatfarmers,farmlandowners,farmlandneighborsandresidentshaveaccessto informationaboutthecontributionsofagriculturetotheregionaleconomy
B. SummaryofFindingsandRecommendations
FarmingintheTownofMarillaincludeslargefarmsthatproducedairy,livestockandnursery productsaswellasequineoperationsandvegetablefarms.Thesefarmscontributesignificantly totheregionaleconomyandfoodsystem.Thecontinuationoffarmingdependsoneconomic conditionsthatallowagriculturetosucceedasabusiness.Recommendationstosupport agricultureasanindustryincludeencouragingagritourismandthepurchaseoflocalfarm products,providinginformationtolandownersaboutfarmrelatedpropertytaxexemptions, andmodifyzoningtoaccommodateencourageagriculturerelatedbusinessesonfarms. AgricultureisalsothepredominantlanduseintheTown.Approximately5,867acresoflandin theTownarecurrentlyfarmed(33%ofthetotallandarea.)Nearlyallofthisfarmlandconsists ofhighqualityagriculturalsoils,whichrepresentavaluableglobalresource.Map8andthelist ofparcelswithlandsuitableforprotectionwillbeusedasaguidebytheTownBoard,Planning BoardandConservationBoardinconsideringapplicationsforpurchaseofdevelopmentrights toexpandthePurchaseofAgriculturalConservationEasements(PACE)programaswellas potentialchangesinlanduseregulations,proposeddevelopmentandinfrastructure extensions.Landownersarealsoencouragedtoconsidervoluntarydonationofconservation easementstoalandtrust.
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Farmingcanbemoredifficultincloseproximitytoresidentialneighbors.Communication amongfarmersandresidentsisessentialtomaintaingoodneighborrelations.Recommended actionstoincreasepublicunderstandingoffarmpracticesincludecontinuingtheTownsannual AgricultureDayanddistributingafactsheetwithinformationaboutfarmpracticesandlocal andStatelawsthatensurerighttofarm. Newdevelopmentinfarmingareasoftentakesfarmlandoutofproductionpermanentlyand createsnewnonfarmneighbors.TheTownsexistinglanduseregulationsintheTownof Marillaincludemanyprovisionsthatsupportagricultureandlimitnewdevelopmentin agriculturalareas.Recommendedactionsinthisplanincludeadditionalchangestozoningand subdivisionregulationstobettermanagetheimpactofresidentialdevelopmentonagriculture, throughbalancedzoningchanges,farmfriendlysubdivisiondesignandoversightofutility extensions. TheTownofMarillawillpartnerwithnumerousCounty,State,regional,andprivate organizationstosupportareafarmersandtheagriculturalindustry.TheTownwillmaintain communicationswithagenciessuchasCornellCooperativeExtension,Soil&Water ConservationDistrict,ErieCountyDepartmentofEnvironment&Planning,WesternNYLand Trustandothers,provideinformationtoresidentsaboutprogramsadministeredbytheseand otherentities.
C. Methodology
TheTownofMarillainitiatedworkonitsAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlanin2013and retainedtheconsultingfirmofStuartI.BrownAssociatestoassistinitspreparation.
1. Public/StakeholderInput
a. SteeringCommittee MembersoftheTownBoardservedasaSteeringCommitteetoguidetheprocess,with contributionsfromthePlanningBoardandConservationBoard.TheSteeringCommitteeand otherTownrepresentativesprovidedinformationtotheconsultant,assistedwithoutreachto farmersandotherstakeholders,establishedpoliciesandrevieweddrafts. b. Farmer/Landownermeetings
InMarch2013,theTowninvitedallfarmersandfarmlandownersaswellasthegeneralpublicto participateinapublicworkshopattheMarillaCommunityCentertokickofftheplanningprocess.The Townsplanningconsultantfacilitatedbytheworkshop.Participantswereencouragedtodiscussthe futureoffarmingintheTownandidentifyopportunitiesandconcerns.
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ApublicinformationalmeetingwasheldintheMarillaCommunityCenteronSeptember17, 2013.attheTownsplanningconsultantpresentedthepreliminaryrecommendationsinthe Plan,answeredquestionsandcommentsfromthoseinattendance. c. Farmerinterviews TheTownsconsultantvisitedseveralfarmsandinterviewedseveralfarmersandfarmland owners,inpersonandviatelephone,duringthecourseoftheplanningprocess.Operatorsof varioustypesoffarmswereinterviewed,includingdairy,livestockproducers,andnursery.The interviewshelpedtoidentifysignificantissuesaswellasappropriatetechniquestosupport agriculture.Inordertopreservetheanonymityofthosewhoparticipatedintheinterviews, theirresponseshavebeenincorporatedintotheidentificationofissuesandtheevaluationof alternatives. d. ResidentsSurvey AResidentsSurveyconductedbytheTownin2011helpedtoestablishcommunitypriorities. TheresultsofthesurveyareincludedinAppendixA.
2. Approvalprocess
AlthoughthisplanwaspreparedwithTownfunds,theTownfollowedtheprocessestablished bytheNYSDepartmentofAgriculturesmunicipalAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlanning Grantsprogramasamodel.TheTownBoardforwardedthedraftplantotheErieCounty Agricultural&FarmlandProtectionBoardforapprovalon___.Itheldapublichearingonthe draftPlanonDecember___andapprovediton___,incorporatingcommentsfromattendees. On___,theTownforwardedtheplantotheNYSCommissionerofAgriculture&Marketsfor approval.
D. PlanningContext
ThisAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlancontinuesalongtraditionofsupportfor agricultureinTownpoliciesandprogramsandcomplementsnumerousState,Countyand regionalplansandprograms.Thissectionsummarizesthepoliciesandrecommendationsof existingTown,County,regionalandStateplansandprogramsastheyrelatetosupportof farmingandtheretentionofagriculturallandinMarilla.
1. TownofMarillaPlansandPrograms
a. ComprehensivePlan1998 TheTownsexistingComprehensivePlan,whichwasinitiallyadoptedin1987and updatedin1998,acknowledgestheimportanceofagriculturetotheTownseconomy andcharacterandencouragestheretentionoflandforagriculturalproduction.It
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recommendsthatlargeareasoftheTownremaininruraloragriculturaluse.Relevant goals,policiesandrecommendationsarepresentedbelow. GoalsandPolicies GOAL:Maintaintheviabilityofthetownsagriculturaleconomyandprotectprime agriculturalproductionlands. POLICIES Fosteragriculturethroughtheadoptionoflanduseregulationswhichdonot curtailfarmingoperationswithinthetownsagriculturalareas. Permitcommercialandindustriallandusesinagriculturalareasonlywhere suchuseswillnotbedetrimentaltoagriculturalandfarmingoperations. Limitresidentialdevelopmentinagriculturalareasanddirectgrowthtoareas notinconflictwithexistingagriculturaloperations. Supportstateandcountyprogramsthatfosteragriculturalgrowthaspartof theregionseconomicdevelopment. Encouragethestateandcountytorenewandsustaintheagriculturaldistrict formedwithinthetownundertheNewYorkStateAgriculturalDistrictsLaw. Limittheplacementofutilities,services,andotherlandusesthatwould encouragegrowthanddevelopmentinthoseareasofthetownzonedas agricultural. Developtaxabatementprogramswhichwouldencouragepropertyownersto keeprurallandareasinopenspace,conservation,andagriculturaluses. Encouragelegislativechangeswhichwouldreducepropertytaxpressureson agriculturallandssoastominimizetheconversionofprimeagricultural productionlandstourbanuses. Encouragethedevelopmentandimplementationofatownwidedrainage programinanefforttoincreasefarmproductionandthenumberofacres whichcanbeviablyfarmed. Promotethesaleoflocalproductsbyencouragingafarmersmarket,local utilization,andthedevelopmentofexportmarkets. Recommendations: Reviewandrevisezoningtoincreasesupportofagriculture Considerlongtermfarmlandprotectionmeasures Partnerwithlandtrust(e.g.,WNYLandConservancy) ComplywithNYSAg.DistrictsLawregardingNoticesofIntentandAg.DataStatements Informlandownersaboutagriculturaluseassessments Requirebuffersbetweenfarmlandandnewresidentialdevelopment
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Discouragenonagriculturaldevelopmentonprimeagriculturallands
b. ExistingPACEprogram Beginninginthelate1990s,theTownofMarillabegantoidentifypotentialparcelsfor permanentprotectionthroughvoluntaryconservationeasements.ItsPurchaseof AgriculturalConservationEasements(PACE)programwasfundedinitiallythroughNewYork StatesDepartmentofAgriculture&MarketsFarmlandProtectionImplementationGrant Program,commonlyknownasPurchaseofDevelopmentRights,in20002001.Todatethe Townhasfacilitatedtheacquisitionofpermanentconservationeasementson17parcels and743acresoffarmland.TheWesternNewYorkLandConservancyholdsandmonitors theconservationeasementsthatlimitdevelopmentontheseparcels. c. RighttoFarmLaw In1997,theTownadoptedaRightToFarmlocallaw.TheLawstatesthatthatreasonable agriculturalpracticesarenottobeconsideredtobepublicorprivatenuisancesandappoints theConservationBoardtoactasagrievancecommitteetoaddressdisputesthatcannotbe resolvedbythepartiesandisnotaddressedbyotherlawsorregulations. ThelawalsoreiteratesandcomplementsprovisionsintheNYSAgriculturalDistrictslaw(NYS AgricultureandMarketsLaw,Article25AAAgriculturalDistricts,Sec.310)thatrequire disclosurenoticestobeincludedinrealestatetransactionsforpropertieswithinStatecertified agriculturaldistricts.BasedontheTownsRightToFarmLaw,thenoticemuststate: "ThispropertyiswithintheTownofMarilla.ItisthepolicyoftheTownto conserve,protect,andencouragethedevelopmentoffarmoperationswithin ourbordersfortheproductionoffoodandotherproductsandoneshouldbe awareoftheinherentpotentialconditionsassociatedwithsuchpurchasesor residence.Suchconditionsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,noise,odors, fumes,dust,smoke,insects,operationofmachineryduringanyhour,dayor night,storageanddisposalofplantandanimalwasteproducts,andthe applicationsofchemicalfertilizers,soilamendments,herbicides,andpesticides bygroundoraerialsprayingorothermethods.OccupyinglandwithintheTown ofMarillameansthatoneshouldexpectandacceptsuchconditionsasanormal andnecessaryaspectoflivinginsuchanarea." d. ZoningRegulations TheTownofMarillaszoningregulationscontainseveralprovisionsthataredesignedto supportandprotectagriculture.Forexample,thestatedintentoftheTownsAAgricultural zoningdistrictis,toprotectpredominantlyagriculturalareasfromsuburbanandurban development,encouragethecontinuationofagriculture,reducelanduseconflictsandpreserve
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openspaceandnaturalresources.[70033.A.]Inaddition,withintheAAgriculturalzoning district,limitationsonsubdivisionprohibitthecreationofmorethanthreenewlotsmaybe createdwithinanyfiveyearperiod.Additionalinformationandanalysisisincludedinthe ZoningAuditandAnalysisofSubdivisionRegulationsandDevelopmentPatterns,AppendixB.
2. NewYorkStateAgriculturalDistrictsProgram
TheAgriculturalDistrictProgramwasestablishedbyNewYorkStatein1971toprovidecertain protectionsandbenefitstofarmersandfarmlandowners.Countiesmayestablishandcertify AgriculturalDistrictsinordertomakethesebenefitsavailabletofarmers.Inclusioninan AgriculturalDistrictdenotesacommitmentonthepartoftheCountyandthelandownerto retaintheuseofsuchlandforagriculture. InErieCounty,AgriculturalDistrictsarescheduledforrevieweveryeightyears,althoughifthe Districtisnotformallyrenewed,itstaysineffect.Inaddition,landownersmayrequestthat propertybeaddedtotheDistrictduringtheannual30dayadditionperiodduringthemonthof October. ErieCountyisintheprocessofconsolidating13AgriculturalDistrictsintofour.The consolidationisexpectedtobecompletedby2013.LandinAgriculturalDistrictsisdepictedin Map1. TheAgriculturalDistrictProgramincludesthefollowingprovisionstoprotectfarmers: Agriculturalusevalueassessments:Eligiblefarmlandisassessedatitsvaluefor agriculturalproduction,ratherthanatitsfullmarketvalue.Iflandthatreceivedthe agriculturalexemptionissoldfornonfarmpurposes,thelandownermustrepaythe amountofpropertytaxessavedoverthelifeoftheDistrict,upto8years.Agricultural useassessmentisalsoavailabletoownersofeligiblefarmlandthatisnotlocated withinanAgriculturalDistrict.Applicationsforagriculturaluseassessmentmustbe filedeachyear. Protectionfromlocalregulationsthatwouldrestrictfarmpractices.TheNYS DepartmentofAgriculture&Marketscanbartheimplementation,onacasebycase basis,oflocallanduseandotherregulationsthatunreasonablyrestrictstandardfarm practices. Protectionfrompublicacquisitionoffarmlandthrougheminentdomain.Beforea localorcountygovernmentmayundertakeaprojectthataffectslandwithinan AgriculturalDistrict,itmustsubmita"NoticeofIntent"totheCountyAgriculturaland FarmlandProtectionBoardandtheNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarketsfor considerationoftheimpactsonagriculture.
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Protectionfromnuisancesuits(righttofarmprovisions).Apersonwhobuysproperty withinanAgriculturalDistrictmustbenotifiedaboutthepossiblepresenceofnoiseor odorsassociatedwithfarmpracticesandacknowledgereceiptofthisnoticeinwriting.
3. ErieCountyPlans
a. ErieCountyAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan(2012)
TheprimarystrategiesoftheErieCountyAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan,completedin2012, areto,Keeplandinagriculturalproductionandto,Informthepublic,localleaders,andelected officials. StrategyI: Goals: Keeplandinagriculturalproduction Protectfarmlandandstabilizethelandbase Helpanextgenerationbecomeestablishedonnewandexistingfarmsthroughtraining programs,promotion,education,andincentives Improvefarmviabilityandincreaseinvestmentinagriculturaleconomicdevelopment Informthepublic,localleaders,andelectedofficials. Educatelocalleadersandelectedofficialsaboutthebenefitsthatfarmsprovidetolocal economiesandtothequalityoflifeofcountyresidents Helpfarmstoprovideaffordable,localfoodtocountyresidents Educateandinformthepublicaboutfarmsandfoodproduction Supportpartneragriculturalorganizationswithadvocacyefforts
StrategyII: Goals:
Recommendedactionsto,Protectfarmlandandstabilizethelandbase,include: DeterminethefeasibilityofanErieCountyPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsProgram Assisttownsthatwishtoadopttermand/orpermanenteasementprograms.
Recommendationsto,Helpanextgenerationbecomeestablishedonnewandexistingfarms andtoImprovefarmviabilityandincreaseinvestmentinagriculturaleconomicdevelopment focuson: workforcedevelopment youtheducation trainingfornewfarmers regionalprocessingfacilities
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marketingassistance
Recommendationsrelatingtopubliceducationinclude: foodprocurementbyCountyinstitutions publicagriculturalevent Farm2TableandAgricultureintheClassroomprograms Farmersmarketspromotion farmtoursforelectedofficials supportoforganizationssuchasSWCDandCooperativeExtension advocacyforcounty,stateandfederalagriculturalpoliciesandlegislation
BypreparingthisAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan,theTownofMarillaishelpingtoimplement theErieCountyPlansrecommendationto,documenttheimportanceofagriculturetothelocal communityeitherintheircomprehensiveplanorthroughotherlocalplanningefforts.ErieCountystaff haveprovidedinformationandassistancetotheTown.
b. RoomattheTable:FoodSystemAssessmentofErieCounty Afoodsystemassessmentexamineshowfoodisproduced,distributed,processed,consumed anddisposedof.ThestudycompletedbyUniversityofBuffaloin2012documentsthe contributionstotheErieCountyeconomyofagriculturalproduction,foodprocessing, wholesaleanddistribution,retailsalesandrestaurants,andwastedisposal,aswellasexisting programsthatsupportagricultureandagribusiness. ManyoftherecommendationsoftheFoodSystemassessmentconductedbywere incorporatedintotheErieCountyAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan.Theseincludethe establishmentof: afoodhubtoaddressthestorage,processing,distributionofsales afoodpolicycouncil afoodtransportationcooperative localprocurementpolicies c. ErieCountyRoadtoaBrightFuture(2008) ErieCountyscomprehensiveplan,completedin2008,acknowledgestheimportanceof agriculturetotheCountyseconomy.Recommendedactionstopromotetheagricultural industryinclude: CompleteaFarmlandPreservationandEconomicDevelopmentStrategy Advancefinancialincentiveprogramsfortheagricultureindustry Implementanagribusinessprogramthatfocusesonfarmbasedtourism
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d. ErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgencyComprehensiveEconomic DevelopmentStrategy(2011) TheComprehensiveEconomicDevelopmentStrategy(CEDS)providestheframeworkfor fundingeconomicdevelopmentactivitiesbytheErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency (IDA.)ItincorporatesrecommendationsofotherCountyandregionalplans.Itidentifies agricultureandagribusinessasatargetedindustrysectorswhichhavepriorityinIDAfunding.It identifiesinitiativesthatarealreadyunderway,including: Microenterpriseloanfund(withECIDA)foragriculturalbusinesses(firstloanJan.2010). Anagribusinessprogramthatfocusesonfarmbasedtourism SouthtownsSouthtownsAgriTourismTrailSurveyandmap
4. RegionalPlans
a. ErieNiagaraFrameworkforRegionalGrowth TheFrameworkdelineatesDeveloped,Developing,andRuralareasaswellasDevelopment CentersandCorridors.TheentireTownofMarillaisdesignatedRuralandnodesignated DevelopmentCentersorCorridorsarelocatedintheTown. StrategiesforRuralAreasinclude: Expandeffortstostrengthentheruraleconomy,includingtheconservationof agriculturallandsandruraleconomicdevelopmentinitiatives Identifyandconserveagriculturallands,supportzoningthatreducespermitted developmentdensities,requireclusterdevelopmenttomaintainruralcharacterand protectresources,anddiscouragecontinuedsubdivisionofruralroadfrontages Encouragethecontractionofsewerdistrictboundariesthatextendintoareas designatedforagriculturaluse
b. OneRegionForward OneRegionForwardisaregionalplanforsustainabledevelopmentthatwilladvancethe2006 ErieNiagaraFrameworkforRegionalGrowth.Itisbasedonlivabilityprinciplesincludingthe safeguardingofrurallandscapes. c. WesternNewYorkRegionalSustainabilityPlan2012 TheWesternNewYorkRegionalSustainabilityPlanwasfundedbytheNYSEnergyAuthority (NYSERDA)andidentifiesgoalsandrecommendedinitiativestopromotetheregions sustainability.Oneofthekeytargetsoftheplanistopromotetheeconomicviabilityof agricultureandforestryaswellassustainablelanduseandlivablecommunities.Projects recommendedintheSustainabilityPlanmaybeeligibleforimplementationfundingthrough NYSERDA.
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Relevantgoalsinclude: Strengthentheeconomicviabilityofagricultureandforestryenterprises. Achievemoreefficientusesofenergyinputsandmaximizeutilizationofagricultureand forestrybyproductsforenergyproduction. Increasesupportfromgovernmentofficialsandthepublicfortheprotectionof farmland,continueduseoffarmlandforagriculturalpractices,andforstrengtheningthe businessclimateforagricultureandforestryintheregion. Promoteenvironmentallysustainablemanagementsystemsfortheagricultureand forestrysector.
Recommendedprojectsinclude: WNYmobilemeatprocessingunit FarmerRecruitmentProgram SmallFarmInnovationandEntrepreneurshipProgram WNYSmallScaleFoodProcessingCenter WNYFoodHubProject EastAuroraCooperativeMarket ErieCountyPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsProgram MarillaAgricultureandFarmlandProtectionPlan d. WesternNewYorkRegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncilStrategicPlan TheRegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncilswerecreatedbyNYStoidentifypriority economicdevelopmentprojectstobefundedthroughtheConsolidatedFundingApplication (CFA)process.CoreStrategiesincludesmartgrowth.TheStrategyidentifiesseveralkey sectors,includingagriculture,energyandtourism. KeyAccomplishmentsoftheREDCsAgricultureWorkGroupinclude SupportfortheNiagaraWineTrailproject. Strategiestoimplementaregionalbrandinginitiativeforagriculture. Exploredthedevelopmentofaregionalfoodhub. Presentations/researchonNYSpesticideregulationandtheErieCountyFoodSystem study.
Relevantrecommendationstosupportbusinessdevelopmentinclude: Createandparticipateinastatewidecommitteeto:reviewexistingagricultural regulationstoevaluatewhethertheyarerelevantandnecessary;makeregulations activityspecificinsteadofdepartmentspecifictoreducecostandburdenonagricultural
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businesseswiththeendresultofstreamlininglicensing/permittingprocessesand reducingthenumberofagenciesinvolvedintheprocess EncourageNYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationtoadopttheFederalEPA regulationsforagriculturalmaterials,suchaspesticides.NYSlagsallotherstates, includingCalifornia,bymonthstoyearsforapprovalofsafermaterials.

E. FarmingintheTownofMarilla
1. CommunityDescription
TheTownofMarillaislocatedintheeastcentralportionofErieCounty.(SeeMap2:Regional Setting.)Itencompassesapproximately28squaremiles. StatehighwaysincludeNYSRoute354(ClintonStreet)andNYSRoute358(TwoRodRoad.) Manycommunityservices,includingtheTownHall,HighwayDepartment,postoffice, elementaryschool,churchesandcommercialbusinessesarelocatedinthehamletofMarilla. ThehamletofPortervilleislocatedinthesouthwestareofthetown. ThepredominantlandusesintheTownisagriculture.Ofthe17,622acresintheTown,11,057 acres(63%)areinparcelsthatareusedinpartforagriculturalproduction. ResidencesarelocatedpredominantlyinthehamletsofMarillaandPorterville,aswellasin residentialsubdivisionsandseveralmanufacturedhomeparks.BusinessesintheTownare locatedinthehamletofMarillaandalongClintonStreet. Thelandforminthenorthernportionofthetownnearlylevelandgentlyundulating;steep slopesandhillsarecommoninthesouthernportionofthetown.StreamsincludeBuffalo Creek,whichflowsthroughthesouthwesternportionofthetown,LittleBuffaloCreek,and CayugaCreekinthenortheastportionofthetown.ThesestreamsarepartoftheBuffaloRiver watershed.(SeeMap3:Topography.)
2. HistoryandTypesofFarms
FarmsintheTownincludebothlargecommercialfarmsaswellassmallparttimeoperations. Thesefarmsproducedairyproducts,cattleandotherlivestockandfieldcropssuchascornand soybeans.Twofarmsspecializeinhorsebreedingandboarding.Map4:FarmParcelsby PropertyClassification,depictsthetypesoffarmsbytaxparcelclassificationforassessment purposes.
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ThefollowingisapartiallistoffarmoperationsintheTownofMarilla:
Table1:FarmOperations
NameofFarm Location Products
Dairy LeonardJaniga Dairy GCAcres(Gerhardt) Dairy;alsocrops,cattle Foss Dairy;alsocrops,livestock Rogacki Dairy Cattle,calves,otherlivestock Gingerich(Claymount Cattle Farms) Gingerich Wigler StanleyTravis Beefcattle;alsocrops Debbins Replacementheifers FieldCrops Handy Grain Burzynski Grain RichardJaniga Peter CrystalSprings Equine HighTimeStables Horsebreeding,boarding,sales PleasantRunStables Horseboarding,training,shows SpecialtyAnimals Huston BullisRoad Cashcrops;Whitetaildeer Horticultural Berner Plants,flowers,gardensupplies Vegetables,Other Schilling FourRodRoad Cashcrops;MapleSyrup SOURCES:VariousinternetsourcescompiledbyStuartI.BrownAssociates:TownofMarilla NOTE:Thisisapartiallist.
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Statisticsfromthe2007CensusofAgricultureforthefourzipcodesintheTownofMarillaand surroundingarea(seetablesandgraphsonthefollowingpage)documentthevarietyofcrops producedbyareafarms.
Table2:Statisticsfrom2007CensusofAgriculture
Farmswithsalesofanimalsandtheirproducts Farmswithsalesofcrops 14 Dairy 37 cattle/calves 49 fieldcrops,includinghay 11 hogs/pigs 31 grains 5 sheep/goats 9 Vegetables 26 horses/ponies 17 Horticulture/nursery 23 Poultry,includingeggs 4 Fruits 4 Specialtyanimals 7 CutChristmastrees SOURCE: U.S.CensusofAgriculture,2007Zipcodetotalsforthe14004,14052,14102, 14059and14086zipcodes Ofthe243farmsbasedinthezipcodesthatincludeMarilla,129(52%)werelessthan50acres insizeand111(46%)werebetween50and999acresinsize.Threefarms,allofwhichwere basedinthe14086(Lancaster)zipcode,were1000acresorlarger. Most(88%)ofthefarmsintheMarillaareageneratedlessthan$50,000peryearinsales.A totalof16farmssoldmorethan$250,000inagriculturalproductsand14generatedsalesof between$50,000and$249,999. Ofthe128farmswithsalesfromcrops,42soldgrainsand78soldotherfieldcrops,including hay.Atotalof33farmssoldhorticulturalornurseryproducts,15soldvegetables,andnine soldcutChristmastrees.Only18(14%)ofthefarmsthatsoldcropsgeneratedatleast$50,000 insales,andonly8ofthesegenerated$250,000ormore.Ofthe10cropfarmsthatgenerated atleast$50,000insales,7producedgrains,4producedvegetables,andoneproducedother fieldcrops,includinghay; Ofthe103farmswithsalesfromanimalsandtheirproducts,14(14%)generatedsalesof $50,000ormore.Atotalof12weredairies,onesoldspecialtyanimalsandonewasahorse farm.
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TownofMarillaAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan 3. FarmlandResources
a. AgriculturalSoils HighqualityagriculturalsoilsincludethosesoiltypesdesignatedbytheUSDANaturalResource ConservationService(NRCS)asprime,primewhendrainedandothersoilsofstatewide importance.Thesesoilsoccupyatotalof14,629acresintheTownofMarillaandcomprise77% oftheTownstotallandarea.Map5depictstheextentofprimeandimportantagricultural soilsintheTown.
PrimefarmlandsoilsidentifiedbytheUSDANaturalResourceConservationService(NRCS)aredefined asfollows: Primefarmlandislandthathasthebestcombinationofphysicalandchemical characteristicsforproducingfood,feed,forage,fiber,andoilseedcrops,andisalso availablefortheseuses(thelandcouldbecropland,pastureland,rangeland,forestland, orotherland,butnoturbanbuiltuplandorwater).Ithasthesoilquality,growingseason, andmoisturesupplyneededtoeconomicallyproducesustainedhighyieldsofcropswhen treatedandmanaged,includingwatermanagement,accordingtoacceptablefarming methods.Ingeneral,primefarmlandshaveanadequateanddependablewatersupply fromprecipitationorirrigation,afavorabletemperatureandgrowingseason,acceptable acidityoralkalinity,acceptablesaltandsodiumcontent,andfewornorocks.Theyare permeabletowaterandair.Primefarmlandsarenotexcessivelyerodibleorsaturatedwith waterforalongperiodoftime,andtheyeitherdonotfloodfrequentlyorareprotected fromflooding. AdditionalfarmlandofstatewideimportanceisdefinedbyNRCSas: land,inadditiontoprimeanduniquefarmland,thatisofstatewideimportanceforthe productionoffood,feed,fiber,forage,andoilseedcrops.Generally,additionalfarmlands ofstatewideimportanceincludethosethatarenearlyprimefarmlandandthateconomically producehighyieldsofcropswhentreatedandmanagedaccordingtoacceptablefarming methods.Somemayproduceashighayieldasprimefarmlandsifconditionsarefavorable.
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Ofthe14,629acresofhighqualityagriculturalsoilsintheTown,atotalof5,560acres(38%)are activelyfarmed.Theremainderhavebeendevelopedorarewoodedlandorbrush.
Table3:AgriculturalSoils
AgriculturalSoilsClassification (fromUSDASoilSurvey) Primefarmland Farmlandofstatewideimportance Primefarmlandifdrained Totalhighqualityagriculturalsoils: Othersoils(includeswater)
1
Townwide(includes developed,woodedand fallowland) Acres 5,631 4,920 4,078 14,629 2,993 % 32.0% 27.9% 23.1% 83.0% 17.9%
ActiveFarmlandOnly (cropland,pasture, otheropenland)1 Acres 2,655 1,571 1,334 5,560 307 % 45.3% 26.8% 22.7% 94.8% 5.2%
Total: 17,622 100.0% 5,867 100.0% CalculatedwithGISsoftwarefromdelineationsofactivefarmfieldsandotheropenlandthatmaybe suitableforfarming,fromaerialphotos.SeeMap6:ActiveFarmland
b. LandinAgriculturalProduction Approximately5,867acresintheTownofMarillaconsistofactivelyfarmedlandorotheropen landthatmaybesuitableforagriculture,basedonananalysisofaerialphotographstakenin 2008andanalysisbytheSteeringCommittee.Thislandrepresentsapproximately33%ofthe totallandareaoftheTown.(SeeMap6:ActiveFarmland).
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FarmlandintheTownofMarillaislocatedonapproximately388individualtaxparcels,which comprise11,056acres.Mostoftheparcelswithactivefarmlandalsoincludebuildingsaswell asforestedlandorhillsidesthatarenotactivelyfarmed.
Table4:AcresinFarmlandTownofMarilla
LandAreain: EntireTown(1) ParcelswithActiveAgriculturalLand ActiveAgricultural/OtherOpenLand(2) (1) SOURCE:CalculatedusingGISsoftwarefrommapofTown. (2) CalculatedfromareasofActiveFarmlandorOtherOpenLandthatmaybeSuitablefor AgriculturalProduction,digitizedfromaerialphotosbyStuartI.BrownAssociates. c. ProtectedLand Between1999and2008,theTownofMarillareceivedgrantfundingthroughtheNYS DepartmentofAgriculture&MarketsFarmlandProtectionImplementationGrantProgram (commonlyknownasPurchaseofDevelopmentRights,orPDR)toestablishitsPurchaseof ConservationEasements(PACE)program.Todate,thisprogramhasplaced17parcelsand743 acresoflandundertheprotectionofpermanentconservationeasements.TheWesternNew YorkLandConservancyholdsandmonitorstheconservationeasementsontheseparcels.(See Map7:ProtectedLand.) Acres 17,622 11,056 5,867 %ofTown'sTotal LandArea 100% 63% 33%
4. EconomicandFiscalBenefitsofAgriculture
MarketsandSupportBusinesses AgricultureisthepredominantlanduseintheTownofMarillaandisamajorindustryinErie County.Opportunitiesrelatingtoproductionagriculture,agritourism,agriculturalsupport businesses,distributionandprocessingarekeytotheTownslongtermeconomic development. FarmsinandaroundtheTownofMarillageneratesaleseachyearthroughtheproductionand salesoffarmproductsandsupporttheregionaleconomythroughpurchaseofsuppliesand services.Smallandlargefarmscontributetotherural,agriculturalcharacterofthetownand supporttheagriculturaleconomythroughthepurchaseofsuppliesandservices.
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SeveralfarmsgenerateincomefromcomplementaryactivitiesthatwerenotincludedinUSDA farmstatistics.Forexample,theequineindustrygeneratesincomefromboarding,salesof horses,trainingandotherservices.TheNYSAgriculturalDistrictLawwasrecentlyamendedto includesuchincometoallowequineoperationstobedefinedasfarmoperationforthe purposeofAgriculturalDistrictprotectionsandagriculturaluseassessment,providedthe operationconsistsofatleastsevenacres,stablesatleast10horsesandgenerates$10,000in salesfromcommercialequineactivities.(SeetextinAppendixC.) Agriculturealsogenerateseconomicimpactsfrombusinessesthatprovideservicesorgoodsto farmersandfrombusinessesthatprocess,transportorresellfarmproducts.Theseinclude: retailbusinessesthatsellequipment,fertilizer,seedsandotherinputs;providersoffinancial, technical,andengineeringservices;constructioncontractors;truckingcompanies;processing plants;andretailsalesoffarmproducts.
5. Fiscalimpactofagriculture
a. Taxrevenuesfromagriculturalproduction
ThetotaltaxablevalueofparcelsthataredesignatedagriculturalintheTownsassessmentrollis approximately$8.5million. Atotalof156parcelsinMarillareceivedanagriculturaluseexemptiontopropertytaxesin2013.The valueoftheseexemptionswas$2,661.700,whichrepresents16.5%ofthevalueofallexemptionsinthe Town.Thetotaltaxablevalueofpropertiesthatreceivedanagriculturaluseexemptionwas$7,669,150.
b. Costofcommunityservicesagricultureandotherlanduses Severalstudieshavedeterminedthatagriculturerequireslowerexpenditureforgovernmental servicesthanothertypesoflanduse,particularlyresidential.Thelargestservicecostis education,whichissharedamongresidentsoftheschooldistricts.Ingeneral,theincreasein taxrevenueassociatedwithresidentialdevelopmentisoutweighedbythecostofservices. Becauseofthesecosts,landusepoliciesneedtobebasedonfactorsotherthanthepotential foradditionaltaxrevenue. TheAmericanFarmlandTrusthascompletedseveralCostofCommunityServicesstudiesthat documentthefiscalimpactsofresidentialdevelopment.(SeesummariesinAppendixD.)A studycompletedfortheTownofAurorain2008foundthatthecostofservicesforanaverage pricednewresidenceintheTownwasapproximatelyequaltotheincreasedtaxrevenuethat wouldresultfromthenewconstruction.AcopyofthisstudyisincludedinAppendixD.
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F. Farmlandtargetedforprotection
TheTownhasidentifiedalllandsthathavehighqualityagriculturalsoilsandthatarecurrently usedforagriculturalproductionasthehighestpriorityforlongtermprotection.Theareasof activefarmlandweredelineatedfromaerialphotographsandrepresentcropfields,pasture andotheropenlandthatmaybesuitableforagriculturalproduction(seeMap6:Active Farmland).HighqualityagriculturalsoilsincludesoilsclassifiedbytheUSDANaturalResources ConservationServiceSoilSurveyasprimefarmland,Primefarmlandifdrained,andother soilsofStatewideimportance(seeMap5:AgriculturalSoils).Theintersectionofthesetwo featuresareasthatconsistofprimeorimportantagriculturalsoilsaswellasactivefarmland aredepictedinMap8:FarmlandSuitableforProtection. AgriculturalSoils Ofthe5,867acresofactivelyfarmedintheTownofMarilla,5,560acres(95%)consistofprime agriculturalsoilsorothersoilsofStatewidesignificance.Theseareasofprimeandimportant agriculturalsoilsthatareactivelyfarmedrepresentthemostsignificantagriculturalland resourcesintheTown. TheareasdepictedinMap8:FarmlandSuitableforProtectionrepresenttheTownsmost importantagriculturallandresources.Map8shouldbeusedbyTownboardsandadvisorsasa referencewhenreviewingdevelopmentproposalsandinimplementingstrategiesforthelong termprotectionoftheselands. Alistofparcelsthatincludeagriculturallandthatissuitableforprotectionisincludedin AppendixE.Thelistincorporatesthefollowingweightingfactorswereappliedtothetotal numberofacreswithineachsoilcategory: AgriculturalSoilsClassification PrimeSoils: PrimeifDrained: SoilsofStatewideImportance: Othersoils: TheAgriculturalRatingforeachparcelisthesumoftheacresofsoilsineachcategory multipliedbytheweightingfactor.Thisratingsystemassessesonlytheamountandqualityof agriculturalsoilsonindividualparcels.Assuch,itisintendedasthestartingpointfor determiningthesuitabilityofindividualparcelsforlongtermprotection. Inaddition,thehighestagriculturalsoilsratingsaregiventolargeparcelsthatinclude significantquantitiesoffarmland.Smallparcelsthatareusedtoraisehighvaluecropssuchas RatingFactor 3 2.5 2 1
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vegetableswouldnotreceiveahighratingusingthissystem;theagriculturalvalueofthese smallerparcelswillneedtobedocumentedonacasebycasebasis. Inaddition,theratingsystemdoesnotgroupparcelsthatarepartofasinglefarmoperation. However,ifmultipleparcelsareproposedforprotection,thedataforeachindividualparcel maybeaddedtogethertodeterminethetotalratingforagroupofparcels. Severalotherfactors,inadditiontothepresenceofhighqualityagriculturalsoils,shouldbe consideredinassessingsuitabilityforlongtermprotection.Theseincludetheapplicationof landmanagementandconservationpractices,plansforcontinuedoperationofthefarmin succeedinggenerations,andproximitytootherfarmlandandotherprotectedlands.These otherfactorsshouldbeconsideredonacasebycasebasisforthoseparcelsthatareproposed forlongtermprotection. Inevaluatingparcelsforthepurposeofsponsoringapplicationsforpurchaseofdevelopment rights,shouldbebasedonthefollowingcriteria. Acreageofhighqualityagriculturalsoils Proportionoftheparcelthatcontainshighqualityagriculturalsoils Longtermviabilityofthefarmoperationoverthelongterm Impactontheprotectionofsignificantnaturalresources Extenttowhichthefarmissubjecttosignificantdevelopmentpressure
InformationaboutpastPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsgrantsadministeredbyNewYorkState DepartmentofAgriculture&MarketsisincludedinAppendixH. LongtermViability Factorsthatshouldbeconsideredinevaluatingthelongtermviabilityofafarmparcelinclude: Thepresenceofasuccessionplanthatdemonstratesthatthelandisgoingtocontinue tobefarmed,eitherbythenextgenerationofthefamilythatiscurrentlyfarmingthe propertyorbyaneighboringfarmer. Ahistoryofappropriateconservationandlandmanagementpracticesonthefarm Locationinanareadoesnothaveconstraintstocontinuedfarming.Forexample,a parceslthatiscompletelysurroundedbyresidentialdevelopmentismoredifficultto farmthanonethatiscontiguousornearotherfarmparcels.
DevelopmentPressure
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Farmsthataresusceptibletoconversiontootherusesmaybeahigherpriorityforconservation thanotherfarms.Pressureforconversionmaytaketheformofscatteredresidential development,residentialsubdivisionsorotherdevelopmentandmaybestimulatedby infrastructureextensionsornearbydevelopment.Theextentofdevelopmentpressureshould beaconsiderationintheevaluationoffarmparcelsforlongtermprotection. NaturalResourceValue Farmlandprotectionmayhavetheaddedbenefitofprotectingorenhancingnearbynatural resources.Forexample,croplandandpastureabsorbrainwaterandgeneratelessstormwater runoffthandevelopedland.Itcanserveasabuffertoforestsandwildlifehabitat.Ifproperly managed,itcanprovideprotectiontostreamcorridors.Thecontributionofthefarmtoward theprotectionofnaturalresourcesshouldbeconsideredintheevaluationofindividualfarm parcelsforlongtermprotection.Map9depictsthelocationsofwetlands,floodzonesand othernaturalresourcesintheTown. Reclaimlandforfutureagriculturaluse Inadditiontotheprotectionofexistingagriculturalland,thereislandintheTownofMarilla withthepotentialtobemadeavailableforagriculturaluse.Thislandisnotcurrentlyfarmed butcontainshighqualityagriculturalsoils.Someofthislandiscurrentlywoodedandwould needtobecleared. Map10:PotentialAgriculturalLandPrimeSoilsNotFarmed,depictsthelocationofthese lands.Alistofparcelswith2ormoreacresthatincludeprimesoilsthatmaybesuitablefor farmingisincludedinAppendixG.
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G. DevelopmentPressure
Farmsthataresusceptibletoconversiontootherusesmaybeahigherpriorityforconservation thanotherfarms.Pressureforconversionmaytaketheformofscatteredresidential development,residentialsubdivisionsorotherdevelopmentandmaybestimulatedby infrastructureextensionsornearbydevelopment.Theextentofdevelopmentpressureshould beaconsiderationintheevaluationoffarmparcelsforlongtermprotection.
1. PopulationandHousingTrends
ThepopulationoftheTownofMarillain2010,accordingtotheU.S.Census,was5,327.This representsadecreaseinpopulationsincethe2000countof5,709. Whilethepopulationdecreasedbetween2000and2010,thenumberofhousingunits increased.The2010Censusreported2,164housingunits;thisrepresentsanincreaseof129 fromthe1,016reportedinthe2000Census.Householdsconsistoffewerpeople,onaverage. Inaddition,theaverageageofMarillaresidentshasincreasedfrom38.6in2000to45.3in 2010.Thetrendtowardsmallerhouseholdsandanagingpopulationisnationwideandis expectedtocontinue. Thechartbelowillustratespopulationandhousingtrendsoverthelastseveraldecades.
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ResidencesareconcentratedinthehamletsofMarillaandPorterville,inresidential subdivisions,inmanufacturedhomeparksandalongroadsthroughouttheTown.Thefirst housesinMarillawereconstructedduringthe1800sonfarmsandinthehamletofMarilla. Duringthefirsthalfofthe20thcentury,newhouseswerebuiltonsmalllotsalongexistingroads andonfarms.Duringthe1960sand1970s,severalresidentialsubdivisionswerecreatedand thepopulationincreased.Developmentcontinuedataslowerpaceduringthe1980sthrough 2012.Continuedgrowthinresidentialdevelopmentevenatthemodestpaceof160new homesperdecadecouldhavesignificantimpactsonfarmlandandfarmingifitisnotmanaged effectively.Map11depictsthelocationsofresidentiallotsbytheyearstructureswerebuilt.
2. BusinessDevelopmentTrends
ThefewbusinessesintheTownofMarillaarelocatedinthehamletofMarilla,alongClinton Street,andinscatteredlocationsthroughouttheTown. a. SewerandWater MostoftheTownisservedbypublicwater.ThefivewaterdistrictsintheTownaresuppliedby theErieCountyWaterAuthority,whichleasestheinfrastructureandmanagescustomer service,billing,meterreadingandmaintenance.TheTownisresponsibleforcapital improvements.
SOURCE:ErieCountyWaterAuthoritywebsite Mostoftheareasthatdonothavepublicwaterservicearelocatedinthesouthand southeasternportionsoftheTown.Theexistingwaterdistributionsystemlimitsthepotential forextendingwaterservicetotheseareas.Thesinglepumpstationandwaterstoragetankthat servetheTownswaterdistrictdonothaveexcesscapacity.Expandingservicetoadditional areaswouldrequireconsiderablecapitalinvestmentinnewpumpstationandstoragetank.
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b. Zoning MostoftheTowniszonedAAgricultural(seeMap12.)Nearlyall(93%)oftheactivelyfarmed landintheTowniszonedAAgricultural.Atotalof314acresiszonedRRRuralResidentialand lessthan100acresarezonedforcommercialuses(BorB1.) TheTownsAAgriculturalzoningdistrictpermitssinglefamilydwellingswithaminimumlot areaof60,000squarefeet,aswellasagriculturalusesandroadsidestands.Usespermitted withaspecialusepermitinclude: c. PotentialDevelopment ThemostsignificantthreattofarmlandintheTownofMarillaisresidentialdevelopment. Residentialdevelopmentinthetown,bothalongexistingroadwaysandinnewsubdivisionshas resultedintheconversionofsignificantamountsofagriculturalland.Map11depictsresidential developmenttrends. TheTownszoningregulationslimitthedevelopmentofresidentialsubdivisionsintheA AgriculturalDistricttoatotalofthreenewlots(fourincludingtheparentparcel)withinany fiveyearperiod.Whilethisprovisionslowsdevelopment,agriculturallandcontinuestobe vulnerabletoconversiontoresidentialdevelopment. Thesubdivisionofprimefarmlandintobuildinglotsthreatenstoreducetheamountofprime andimportantsoilsavailableforagriculturalproduction.TheTownmaybeabletoencourage landownerstodesignfuturesubdivisionsinamannerthatutilizesthemarginallandforbuilding lotsandsetsasidethemostproductivelandforcontinuedagriculturalproduction.(See ConservationSubdivisionsunderEvaluationofAlternativeStrategiessection.) Map13:ZoningDistrictsandActiveFarmlandbyAgriculturalSoilClassificationillustratesthe currentzoningclassificationsofexistingfarmland.Futurerezoningshouldtakeinto considerationtheimpactonfarmland,withaprioritytoavoiddevelopingonlandswithprime soils. Essentialservices,excludingpowerplants. Privateairstrips. Campinggrounds. Notforprofitpublicandsemipublicusesandbuildings,excludinggunclubs. Kennels. Stablesorridingacademieswhereanimalsarerentedorleased. Commercialrecreationuses,excludingfiringrangesandamusementarcades. Roominghouses. Bedandbreakfastestablishments. Telecommunicationsfacilities Private,semipublicandpublicgolfcourserecreationalfacilities
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H. RoleinRegionalFoodSystem
Theregionalfoodsystemconsistsofagriculturalproduction,foodprocessing,wholesaleand distribution,retailsalesandrestaurants,andwastedisposal.TheTownofMarillasprimaryrole intheregionalfoodsystemisagriculturalproduction;asecondaryroleisfoodconsumptionby Townresidents.Processingoccursonalimitedbasisonfarmsandbysmallbusinesses.Retail andrestaurantsalesarelimitedtotheCountryStoreinthehamletofMarilla,aconvenience storeatClintonStreetandTwoRodRoad,andseveralfarmstands.Distributionoccursmainly fromfarmstomarketsortransportationhubs.
I. Strengths,Weaknesses,OpportunitiesandThreats (SWOT)
AtthepublicworkshopheldinMarch2013,farmers,farmlandownersandresidentsidentified theStrengths,Weaknesses,OpportunitiesandThreats(SWOT).Theexercisewasfacilitatedby theTownsplanningconsultantandhelpedtoguidetheplanningprocess.Strengthsand weaknessesaregenerallyintrinsictothecommunity;opportunitiesandthreatscome fromoutsidethecommunity.ThetableonthefollowingpagesummarizestheSWOTanalysis.
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Table 5: Strengths,Weaknesses,OpportunitiesandThreats(SWOT)Relatingto
FarmlandandAgriculture
StrengthAnassetorpolicythatcanbeleveragedtohelp achieveourgoals OpportunityAsituationoranelementthatcanbeseized orcapitalizedontosupportourgoals Strengths Closetomarkets Greatsoil Potentialimpactsofyogurtplants Goodlocalandregionaltransportationnetwork Closetomanyancillarybusinesssupportplaces(ex. Placestogetfarmequipmentservicedandrepaired) Weatheritsbetterthansomeplacesandsupportsa varietyofcrops NiceruralTownwithlimitedhousingdevelopments o Leadstobeautifulaesthetics o Lowdensityandquiet o Tightknotcommunity o DespitesmallTownfeeltherearelotsofactivities Wildlife Lotsoffarmlandinthewintertranslatestohuge snowmobiletrailnetwork o Supportslocalbusinessesfood,gas,etc. Nonchlorinatedwater Townsvalueisinitsland Towngovernmentsupportofagriculture WeaknessAliability,hinderingusinachievingour goals,thatcanbecorrectedormitigated ThreatAnelementorforcethatmustbecountered becauseitthreatensachievementofourgoals Weaknesses Fromdairyfarmerspointofviewtobea successfuldairyfarmeryoumusthaveALOTof landwhichatthispointisalmostimpossibleto assemblewithintheTown Expansionisdifficultshiftfromlargefarmsto smallfarms Traffic,narrowroads,narrow/noshoulders o Createsserioussafetyconcernsforcarspassing slowmovingfarmvehicles/equipment
Opportunities Newtechnologyandfarmingtechniquesallowsland thatwasntsuitableforfarmingtobefarmed HugeBuyLocaltrendsandpublicawareness Growthintheorganicsindustry Governmentsupportprograms,funding,andgrants StartworkingwiththeIDA Solar/Windpower o Otherformsofalternativeenergy Educatethepublicofficialsonrulesandregulations pertainingtoagriculturalland
Threats Housingdevelopments Residentsunintentionallyaffectingtheground waterthroughchemicalrunoff,etc. Financialhardships Retiringfarmerswithnoonetoreplacethem Fracking? Stateregulations Taxes Misinformationespeciallythroughtheinternet Lackofeducationrelatingtoagricultureandfood systems o Bothforthegeneralpublicandwithinschools
SOURCE:CommentsfromattendeesatfirstpublicworkshopMarch2013
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J. Agriculturalpreservationtechniques
Severaltoolsandtechniquesareavailabletolocalgovernments,individuallandownersand privateorganizationstohelpmeetthegoalofretainingfarmlandandencouragingthe continuedviabilityofagriculture.
1. ConservationEasements/PurchaseofDevelopmentRights
Aconservationeasementisalegaldocumentthatlimitsfuturedevelopmentonland. Landownersvoluntarilyparticipateineasementorpurchaseofdevelopmentrightsprograms. Asconservationeasementspermanentlyprotectlandfromdevelopment,theyareavery effectivetoolfortheretentionoffarmland.Conservationeasementsmaybeacquiredbyanot forprofitorganizationsuchasalandtrust,orbyagovernmentalentitythroughapurchaseof developmentrightsprogram. a. Private,voluntaryconservationeasements Landownersmayplacefarmlandunderapermanentconservationeasementtobeheldand monitoredbyaprivatelandtrustorothernonprofitorganization.Thedonationofeasements maybehelpfultosomefamiliesinestateplanningasthevalueoftheeasementcanbeclaimed asataxdeduction. Landownersmayplacefarmlandunderapermanentconservationeasementtobeheldand monitoredeitherbyagovernmentalentityorbyaprivatelandtrustorothernonprofit organization.Thedonationofeasementsmaybehelpfultosomefamiliesinestateplanning,as thevalueofthedonatedeasementcanbeclaimedasataxdeduction.Donationofeasements providespermanentprotectionoffarmlandandopenspaceatnocosttothetown.Landowners woulddecidevoluntarilytodonate. Landtrustsoftenworkwithlandownerstodeterminewhetheraconservationeasementwould beanappropriatewaytopreserveland.TheWesternNewYorkLandConservancy,basedin EastAurora,isaprivate,nonprofitlandtrustthatacceptsdonationsofpropertyor developmentrights,andworkswithindividuallandownersandcommunityleaderstoprotect landresources. WesternNewYorkLandConservancyworkedwiththeTownofMarillaandindividual landownerstosecureNewYorkStatefundingthroughaseriesofPurchaseofDevelopment Rightsgrantawardstopreserve14agriculturalparcelsintheTownthattotalapproximately 622acres.TheConservancymanagesandmonitorstheconservationeasementsonthese properties.AdditionalinformationabouttheWesternNewYorkLandConservancyisincluded inAppendixG. TheNewYorkAgriculturalLandTrust(NYALT),establishedin2006,workswithlandowners throughoutNewYorkStatetoadvisethemregardingestateplanning,easements,andapplying
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forStatepurchaseofdevelopmentrights.InformationabouttheNYALTisincludedinAppendix H. Landtruststaffareoftenavailabletospeakwithlandownersabouttheiroptionsregardingthe preservationoftheirpropertiesforcontinuedagriculturalorotherconservationuses. b. Publicpurchaseofdevelopmentrights PurchaseofDevelopmentRights(PDR)isaprogramwhichcompensatesownersoffarmlandin exchangeforanagreementtokeeplandfrombeingdeveloped.Thevalueofthedevelopment rightsiscalculatedasthedifferencebetweenthevalueofthelandforagriculturalpurposesand itsvaluefordevelopment.Apermanentconservationeasementtypicallyrestrictsfuture developmentontheparceltoagriculturalbuildingsonly.1Placinganeasementonaproperty doesnotaffecttheownershipoftheparcel.Theownermaycontinuetofarmtheparcel, and/orsellit.Theeasementholder,whichiseithertheTownoraprivatelandtrust,is responsibleforensuringthatthepropertyisnotdeveloped. AlthoughNewYorkStatehasnotacceptedorawardedapplicationsforfundingforthisprogram inseveralyears,anewroundoffundingisexpectedtobeannouncedin2013. Whendevelopmentofapropertyislimitedduetoapermanentconservationeasement,the assessmentonthepropertymusttakeintoconsiderationtheimpactoftheeasementonthe valueoftheproperty.Thismayresultinreducedpropertytaxesfortheowner.However,in practice,propertiesthatarereceivinganagriculturalusevalueassessmentwouldcontinueto beassessedbasedontheagriculturalvalueratherthanthemarketvalueoftheproperty. PDRprogramsareregardedasfairtolandowners,whoreceivefairmarketvalueforthe developmentrights.Thepropertyremainsprivatelyownedandisassessedatavaluethat reflectsitslimiteduse.Suchprogramsachievepermanentprotectionoffarmlandandopen space. NewYorkStatesPDRprogramhasprovidedgrantsofupto75%ofthecostofpurchasing developmentrights.ThelandowneroranotherentitysuchastheTownmayprovidethe matchingfunds.Somelandownersagreetoselltheirdevelopmentrightsforlessthanthe appraisedamount(knownasabargainsale),therebydonatingthedifferenceandoften claimingataxdeductionfortheamountdonated. TheTownofMarillasponsoredapplicationsforPDRfundingin1999and2000andwasawarded establisheditsPurchaseofConservationEasements(PACE)program.TheReedfarmin Cazenoviawasawardedfundsbuthasyettocloseontheeasementpurchase.TheWestern NewYorkLandConservancyholdstheeasementsonallofthefarmsinMarillasPACEprogram.
A copy of the current easement used by New York State in its PDR program is provided in Appendix H.
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NewYorkStatesprogramwassuspendedforseveralyearswhileitsadministratorsworked withpreviousgranteestocompleteeasementpurchases.Thebacklogappearstohavebeen addressedandnewapplicationsmaybeacceptedin2013. c. FederalFarmandRanchLandsProtectionProgram TheFederalFarmandRanchLandsProtectionProgramcanprovideadditionalmatchinggrants forfarmsthathaveapendingofferforthepurchaseofdevelopmentrightsfromastateorlocal government.Fundingandprogramguidelineswereestablishedthroughthe2008FarmBill. d. Fundingoptionsforlocalpurchaseofdevelopmentrights SomelocalgovernmentsinNewYorkStatehavedirectlypurchaseddevelopmentrightsto farmland.ExamplesincludetheTownsofWebster,Perinton,Penfield,ParmaandPittsfordin MonroeCounty.Fundingforthepurchaseofdevelopmentrightstypicallyisraisedthrough bondingandrequirestheestablishmentofaCapitalReserveFundthatisdedicatedtothe purchaseoflandand/orconservationeasements(developmentrights.) TheTownmayacceptdonationsoflandoreasements,ormoneytobeusedtopurchaselandor easements.Federal,StateorCountygrantsmaybeusedtopurchasefarmlandordevelopment rights. CapitalReserveFund ACapitalReserveFundisauthorizedbyGeneralMunicipalLawArticle11,Section6cand allowsamunicipalitytoaccumulatefundsformajorpurposesoveraperiodofmorethanone year.Ifthefundspecifiestheparcelsorinterestinparcelstobeacquired,apermissive referendumisrequiredtocreatethefund.Ifthefundiscreatedforpurchaseofpropertiesor developmentrightsingeneral,nopermissivereferendumisrequiredtocreatethefundbuta permissivereferendumwillberequiredbeforeutilizingthefundsforaspecificpurchase.The fundmaybefinancedthroughannualappropriations. TheTownmayissuebondstofinancetheacquisitionoflandand/ordevelopmentrights,orto financetheestablishmentofafundforthepurchaseoflandand/ordevelopmentrights.Ifthe bondwillbefinancedoveraperiodofmorethanfiveyears,apermissivereferendumis required. Beforeusingpublicfunds,whetherfromaReserveFundorBond,topurchaseaparticular propertyordevelopmentrights,theTownmustpublicizeandholdapublichearing. PotentialFutureFundingSources Taxincentivestoraisefundsforpurchaseofdevelopmentrightswouldrequireauthorization fromtheNewYorkStatelegislature.CertaincountiesinNewYorkState(Westchesterand Putnam,LongIsland)havebeenauthorizedtocollectataxonrealestatetransferstofund preservationofnaturalandhistoricresources.Abilltoauthorizesuchataxstatewidewas
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proposedin2005buthasnotbeensuccessful.Arealestatetransfertaxwouldbemost effectiveinmunicipalitieswithveryhighvaluerealestateandalargequantityoftransactions eachyear. Privatefoundationsmaybeasourceoffundingforpurchaseofdevelopmentrights.Other innovativefundingsources,suchassellingcarboncredits,mayhavepotential,although additionalresearchisneeded.
Termeasementprogram(LeaseofDevelopmentRights)
CertainmunicipalitiesinNewYorkStateadministeravoluntarytermeasementprogramto encouragelandownerstokeepfarmlandandotheropenspaceundevelopedforaspecified periodoftime.Theeasementstypicallyrequirethatthelandremainundevelopedorinactive farmuse.TheTownAssessorconsiderstheimpactoftheeasementonthevalueofthelandfor taxpurposes.Asaresult,propertytaxesmaybereduced. Sometownsimposeapenaltyonlandownersiftheeasementisbrokenorcancelled.For example,theTownofPerinton,locatedsouthwestofRochesterinMonroeCounty,requires thatthepropertytaxsavingsforthepastfiveyearsmustberepaid.Thefundsareplacedinto theTownsOpenSpaceAcquisitionReserveFundandhavebeenusedbyPerintontopurchase nearly800acresoflandanddevelopmentrights.
3. ZoningandSubdivisionTechniques
a. AgriculturalProtectionZoningDistrict Zoningregulationscanbeusedtoprovidesupporttoagriculturalbusinesses.Forexample, zoningindesignatedagriculturalareasmayallowforarangeofbusinessestobeestablishedin conjunctionwithafarmoperation,includingfarmrelatedbusinessesandhomebased businesses. Someagriculturalzoningdistrictregulationslimitthenumberofresidentiallotsthatcanbe createdfromaparentparcel.Regulationsmayrequiredensityaveragingoruseasliding scaletolimitthenumberofdwellingspermitted.Theregulationsmayalsospecifymaximum (aswellasminimum)lotsizesfornonfarmdevelopment. b. Incentivezoning Landcanbepermanentlyprotectedbyeasementaspartofanincentivezoningtransaction. PursuanttoNYSTownLawSection261b,incentivezoningmaybeusedtoencouragethe privateacquisitionofagriculturalconservationeasementsortocollectmoneytowardapublic fundtopurchasesucheasements(developmentrights).TheTownwouldneedtospecifyinits incentivezoningregulationsthatdevelopmentrightsfortheprotectionoffarmlandwouldbe anacceptableincentive.
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Incentivezoningisfairtotheownersoflandtobepreserved,asadevelopermustpurchasethe developmentrightsatfairmarketvalueinordertoobtainadensityincentive.Thetechnique doesnotdiminishthedevelopmentpotentialoflandtobedeveloped. ThetechniqueisfairlyeasyfortheTowntoadminister,asthedeveloperandtheownerofthe farmlandoropenspacearrangethetransactionprivately.Adeveloperwhodemonstratesthat landwillbepreservedwouldbeentitledtothedensitybonusonthepropertytobedeveloped. Useofthistechniquecanresultinthepermanentprotectionoffarmlandoropenspace throughaconservationeasementatvirtuallynocosttotheTown. c. ConservationSubdivisions(Clustering) Landcanbepermanentlyprotectedbyeasementaspartofaconservationsubdivision. Conservationsubdivisions,alsoknownasclustering,allowresidencestobebuiltonsmallerlot sizesthanwouldotherwisebepermittedbyzoning,providedthatthenumberofunitsthat couldbeconstructedontheparcelwithaconventionaldesignisnotexceeded. Typically,anapplicantwoulddesignaconventionalsubdivisionforthesite,withallofthelots meetingtheminimumlotsize,inordertodeterminethenumberofdwellingunitsthatcouldbe accommodated.Theconservationfeaturestobeprotectedaredelineatednext,andthehouse lotslaidoutontheremaininglands.Anexampleofaconservationsubdivisionisprovidedin AppendixB. Thehouselotsshouldbesitedinlocationsthatareleastsuitableforfarming,andthatofferthe mostappealingviewsofopenspaceandnaturalresources.Thesubdivisiondesignshould incorporatebuffersbetweenthenewresidentialdevelopmentandtheremainingfarmland.A conservationeasementwouldbeplacedonthefarmlandtopreventfuturedevelopment. d. FarmFriendlySubdivisionDesign Thewaynewresidentialsubdivisionsaredesignedcanminimizethepotentialforconflict. Farmfriendlydesignisimportantevenwhenonlyoneortwonewlotsarecreatedfroma parentparcel.Suchconsiderationsinclude: Incorporatebuffersbetweentheresidencesandadjoiningfarmland.Suchbuffers shouldbepartofthedesignoftheresidentialdevelopment. Avoiddisturbingagriculturalinfrastructuresuchasaccessroadsanddrainagefacilities
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Figure1.FieldOperationEfficiency e. PlanningBoardreviewofsubdivisions Thedesignofsubdivisionscanalsominimizetheconversionofhighqualityfarmlandby requiringorencouragingdevelopmentontheleastproductiveportionoftheparcel. Throughthesubdivisionreviewprocess,TownscanauthorizetheirPlanningBoardstomanage thedesignofnewresidentialdevelopmenttominimizethepotentialforconflict.Forexample, thelayoutofnewhouselotscanbedesignedtoavoidimpactstoefficientfarmoperations, accessroadsanddrainagefacilities,andtomaintainbuffersbetweenfarmsandresidences. PlanningBoardreviewofthecreationofoneormorenewlotscouldreducethepotentialfor newlotstobedesignedinamannerthatisnotfarmfriendly.TheTownBoardwouldneedto modifytheTownssubdivisionreviewlawtogivethePlanningBoardtheauthoritytoreview thecreationofoneormorenewlots.(SeeZoningAuditinAppendixB.)
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Conservationsubdivisions,alsoknownasdensityaveragingorclusteredsubdivisions,can resultintheretentionoffarmlandforagriculturalusebyincreasingdensityonaportionofthe parcel.Thistechniqueworksbestwhenthezoningdistrictrequiresverylowdensitiesof development. Incorporatebuffersintodesignofnonfarmresidentialdevelopment Throughlocalzoningandsubdivisionreviewregulations,theTownPlanningBoardcan encourageorrequirethatnewresidentialdevelopmentisdesignedtominimizethepotential forconflictbetweenagriculturaloperationsandneighboringfarms.Forexample,newhouse lotsshouldbesitedtoensurethattheydonotimpedeefficientfarmoperations,donotdisturb drainage,andmaintainbuffersbetweenthefarmfieldsandhouselots. f. RegulationofImpactsfromAgribusinesses Zoningregulationscanhelptopreventoralleviateconflictswithneighborsrelatingto agribusinessandentertainmentuses.TheTownmayregulateancillaryactivities,suchas outdoorentertainment,providedthatsuchactivitiesarenotdeterminedbytheNYS DepartmentofAgriculture&Marketstobeagriculturalpractices.Suchregulationsshould balancetheneedtomaintainthequalityoflifeofresidentialneighborhoodswiththeregional economicbenefitofagritourismbusinesses.
4. TaxReliefPrograms
Farmingutilizeslargeamountsoflandbutdoesnotdemandproportionallylargeexpenditures fromlocalgovernments.Inresponsetothissituation,NewYorkStatehasestablishedprograms toreducepropertytaxesonfarmlandthatmeetscertaineligibilityrequirements. AgriculturalUseAssessmentsbasepropertytaxesonthevalueofthelandasfarmland,rather thanitsvaluefordevelopment.Inordertobeeligible,thefarmlandmustbeusedbyafarm operationthatgeneratesatleast$10,000ayearfromafarmoperationasdefinedbyNewYork StateAgriculturalLaw.(SeeCircular1150inAppendixC.)Farmslocatedwithinacertified AgriculturalDistricts,aswellasfarmsoutsideaDistrictthatmeetcertainrequirements,maybe eligibletoreceiveAgriculturalUseAssessments.AgriculturalUseAssessmentisalsoavailable tolandownerswhorentthepropertytoaneligiblefarmer. Agriculturalusevaluepropertytaxassessmenttypicallyresultsinasignificantreductioninthe amountoftaxespaidbythelandowner.Theusevalueassessmentissetbyaformula developedbyNYSDepartmentofAgriculture&Marketsthatisbasedonsoiltypes.Inareas wherethelandisvaluablefordevelopmentpurposes,theagriculturalusevaluewillbemuch lowerthanthemarketvalue,resultinginsignificantlylowerpropertytaxes.However,inareas wherefarmingisthehighestandbestuseofthepropertywhereafarmerislikelytopayas muchforthelandasanyoneelsetheagriculturalusevaluemaybethesameasthemarket value.
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Whileagriculturaluseassessmentsareappliedautomaticallytopropertytaxesleviedby municipalitiesandschooldistricts,firedistrictsmustoptin.Todoso,thegoverningbody needstopassaresolutionagreeingtoutilizeagriculturaluseassessments. NewYorkStatehasestablishedtheFarmersSchoolPropertyTaxCreditprogramfor eligiblefarmerstoreceiverefundsofupto100%ofSchooltaxesonupto350acresof agriculturalland,and50%ofSchooltaxesonacreageinexcessof350acres.Tobe eligibleforthistaxcredit,farmersmustearnatleast2/3oftheirincomeinexcessof $30,000fromfarming.ThecreditmaybeclaimedinthefarmersannualNYStaxreturn. Farmworkerhousingisexemptfrompropertytaxes,providedthatthefacilitymeetsall safetyandhealthstandardssetbytheStatebuildingcodeandtheNYSDepartmentof Labor. Renovationofahistoricbarnforcontinuedagriculturalusequalifiesforapropertytax exemption. Certainpropertyandservicesusedinagriculturalproductionisexemptfromsalestax. FarmersneedtocompleteFormST125.
5. BusinessDevelopmentPrograms
a. BusinessDevelopmentFinancing TheErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency(IDA)offersfinancialincentivesforindustries includingagriculturalproductsprocessingthatcreateorretainjobs.Lowinterestloans,sales taxexemptions,andpaymentsinlieuoftaxesareavailabletohelpfinancethepurchaseof newequipmentand/ortheexpansionoffacilities. SomeNewYorkcountieshaveestablishedagriculturaleconomicdevelopmentrevolvingloan programstohelpcreateorexpandvalueaddedanddirectmarketingopportunities.Loansof upto$25,000maybeavailableforfarmstandinfrastructure(construction,design development,marketanalysis,etc.),valueaddedagriculturalproductdevelopment,trainingfor cheesemaking,meatcuttingorotheragriculturalprocessinginitiatives,trainingand equipmenttoensurefoodsafetyandsecurity,andpromotionalmaterialsforagribusinesses (suchaswebsites,pamphlets,signage,etc.). b. HarvestNewYork ErieCountyCooperativeExtensionisparticipatinginHarvestNewYork,apilotprogram establishedthroughNYSCountyLaw224btospuragriculturaleconomicdevelopmentinNew YorkState.AnewstaffpositionatErieCountyCooperativeExtension,establishedinOctober 2012,supportsAgriculturalEconomicDevelopmentandFoodSystems.
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(ContactCherylThayer,AssociationResourceEducator,CornellCooperativeExtensionErie County,at7165929507orcbt32@cornell.edu.(SeeAppendixI.) TheNYSOfficeforCommunityRenewalsCDBGprogramcanalsoprovidegrantsorloansfor theconstructionofinfrastructuretosupportbusinessdiversificationorexpansionactivitiesthat wouldresultinthecreationorretentionofjobs. Grantsfortheinstallationofrenewableenergyorenergyefficiencyimprovementsareavailable throughNYSERDAandtheNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarkets.(SeeAppendixJfor additionalinformation.) TheNYSDepartmentofAgriculture&MarketsperiodicallyoffersgrantsthroughtheNYS ConsolidatedFundingApplication(CFA)process,administeredthroughtheRegionalEconomic Councils.In2012,upto$3millionstatewidewasavailablefortheAgricultureDevelopment Program,whichprovidedgrantstoassistwithconstruction,expansionorrenovationof agriculturalfacilitiesoroperationsrelatingtotheproduction,processing,warehousingor distributionofNYScropsandlivestock.Inaddition,NYStaxcreditswereavailablethroughthe ExcelsiorJobsProgramforinvestmentinagriculturalproductionandsupportbusinessesthat createatleast10newjobs. c. PromotionofLocalFarmProducts OrganizationssuchasCornellCooperativeExtensionofErieCountyareactiveinpromoting farmmarkets,roadsidestandsandagritourismoperations.Forexample,aworkshopheldin April2013encouragedbed&breakfastinnkeeperstocollaboratewithfarmerstomakelocal farmproductsavailabletoinnguests. SeveralStateandregionalprogramshavebeenestablishedtopromotelocalproductsandraise publicawarenessofthecontributionsoftheagriculturalindustry.Forexample,thePrideof NewYorkprogram,administeredbytheNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarkets,offers labelingandpromotionalmaterialstoparticipatingfarmersandencouragesconsumersto purchaseproductsthatareproducedinNewYorkState. d. TechnicalAssistancefortheDevelopmentofNewProducts PotentialentrepreneurscanaccesstheresourcesoftheNYSFoodVentureCenter,whichis administeredbyCornellUniversityandlocatedinGeneva.Informationaboutthepreparation ofbusinessplansandsmallloansareavailablethroughCornellCooperativeExtension (http://cce.cornell.edu)andtheSmallFarmsProgram(http://smallfarms.cornell.edu). e. RecruitAgriculturalSupportBusinesses TheTownslanduseregulationspermitagriculturerelatedbusinessesintheTown.(SeeZoning AuditinAppendixB.)
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Inadditiontoprovidingforagriculturalsupportbusinessesthroughzoningregulations,the Town,workingwithCountyandStateofficials,canestablishapolicythatwelcomessuch businessestotheTowninappropriatelocations.
6. PromotionandPublicInformation
Publiceducationactivitiesundertakenbyfarmers,municipalitiesorotheragenciescanhelpto raisepublicawarenessoftheimportanceoftheagriculturalindustrytotheregionseconomy andtohelpresidentsunderstandfarmpractices. Somecoordinatedpublicoutreacheffortsareinitiatedandcarriedoutbyfarmers.For example,agroupofdairyfarmersinLeRoy,GeneseeCountyNewYork,cooperativelyplacean adinthelocalPennysavereachspringtonotifyresidentsabouttheirneedtospreadmanure, andgivephonenumberstocallwithanyquestions.Thisoutreachhelpstoreducecomplaints. Thefarmersarewilling,whenpossible,toschedulemanurespreadingtoavoidholidaysordays whenneighborshaveoutdooreventsplanned.
7. RighttoFarmLaws
a. TownofMarillaRighttoFarmLaw TheTownofMarillahasadoptedalocalRighttoFarmlaw.Thislawclearlyestablishesthe townpolicyinsupportoffarming,definesgenerallyacceptedagriculturalpractices,and affirmsafarmer'srighttoemploysuchpractices.Thelawalsoincludesarequirementthat purchasersofpropertywithinthetownbenotifiedofthepolicyofencouragingfarming,and thatfarmpracticesmayincludeodors,noiseandotheractivities.Acopyofthelawisincluded inAppendixK. MarillasRighttoFarmlawalsoestablishesalocalgrievanceproceduretoresolvecomplaints betweenfarmersandnonfarmneighbors.TheConservationAdvisoryBoardisempoweredto hearandresolvecomplaints.Alocalgrievancecommitteemaybeformedtohearandresolve complaints.TheCABissubjecttotherequirementsoftheNYSOpenMeetingsLawandis requiredtoscheduleandadvertiseitsmeetingsinadvance. b. RighttoFarmProvisionsofNewYorkStateAgriculturalDistrictLaw TheNYSAgriculturalDistrictsLawrequiresdeveloperstoprepareandsubmitanAgricultural DataStatementwhenaprojectmayimpactfarmpropertieswithinaCountyAgriculturalDistrict (seeformsinAppendixL.)Italsoincludesarequirementthatbuyersofpropertywithinan AgriculturalDistrictsignaformthatnotifiesthemofpotentialnoise,odorsandotherimpacts associatedwithagriculturalareas.AcopyofAgriculturalDistrictsLawisincludedinAppendix C.
8. Programstominimizetheimpactofwaterandsewerlinesextensionsinto agriculturalareas
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Toolsavailabletomunicipalitiestominimizetheimpactsofsewerandwaterlineextensionson agriculturallandincludetheNoticeofIntentprocessmandatedbytheNYSAgricultural DistrictsLawandrestrictionsonnonagriculturalhookups. a. NoticeofIntentProcess Section305oftheAgriculturalDistrictslawrequireslocalgovernments,beforeextendinga waterorsewerlinethatwouldservenonfarmstructureswithinanAgriculturalDistrict,tofilea preliminaryandafinalNoticeofIntentwiththeNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandtheCounty Agricultural&FarmlandProtectionBoard.Thelawstates: Anylocalgovernmentwhichintendstoconstruct,oradvanceagrant,loan, interestsubsidyorotherfundswithinadistricttoconstruct,waterorsewer facilitiestoservenonfarmstructures,shalluseallpracticablemeansin undertakingsuchactiontorealizethepolicyandgoalssetforthinthisarticle, andshallactandchoosealternativeswhich,consistentwithsocial,economicand otheressentialconsiderations,tothemaximumextentpracticableminimizeor avoidadverseimpactsonagricultureinordertosustainaviablefarmenterprise orenterpriseswithinthedistrict. TheNoticeofIntent(NOI)mustsetforth: Adescriptionoftheproposedactionanditsagriculturalsetting Theagriculturalimpactoftheproposedaction,includingshorttermandlongterm effects Anyadverseimpactsonagriculturethatcannotbeavoided Alternativestotheproposedaction Anyirreversibleandirretrievablecommitmentsofagriculturalresourceswhichwouldbe involvedintheproposedaction Mitigationmeasuresproposedtominimizetheadverseimpactoftheproposedaction onthecontinuingviabilityoffarmswithinthedistrict Anyaspectsoftheproposedactionthatwouldencouragenonfarmdevelopment
Apreliminarynoticemustbefiledbeforethemunicipalityissuesadeterminationofsignificance pursuanttotheStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewAct(SEQR).Thefinalnoticemustbefiled atleast65dayspriortotheconstructionoradvancementofpublicfunds.Thecommissioner has45daysfromreceiptofthefinalnoticetodeterminewhethertheactionmayhavean unreasonablyadverseeffectonfarmviability,andmaytakeanadditional60daystoreviewthe proposedactionandissuefindings. TheCommissionerofAgriculturemayproposereasonableorpracticalalternativeactionsthat wouldminimizeoravoidtheadverseimpactoftheproposedactiononagriculture.The
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municipalityorfundingagencymayeitheraccepttheproposedalternativeorcertifythatother actionshavebeentakentominimizeimpactsonagriculturaloperations. b. LateralRestrictions Often,asanoutcomeoftheNoticeofIntentprocess,amunicipalitywilladoptaresolutionthat restricts hookups for nonfarm structures to anew water or sewer line that extends into an Agricultural District. The restriction on hookups would apply to nonagricultural structures for aslongasthepropertyislocatedwithinanAgriculturalDistrict. Typicallanguageforsucharesolutionisasfollows: LateralRestrictionConditionsonFutureService The[municipality]imposesthefollowingconditions,aswarrantedorrecommended onthemanagementofwater/sewerlineslocatedalong[location]withinanagricultural district: (1) Theonlylandand/orstructureswhichwillbeallowedtoconnecttothe proposedwaterlineorsewerwithinanagriculturaldistrictwillbeexisting structuresatthetimeofconstruction,furtheragriculturalstructures,andland andstructuresthathavealreadybeenapprovedfordevelopmentbythelocal governingbodypriortothefilingoftheFinalNoticeofIntentbythe municipality. Landandstructuresthathavebeenapprovedfordevelopmentrefertothose properties/structuresthathavebeenbroughtbeforealocalgoverningbody whereapproval(e.g.,subdivision,siteplan,andspecialpermit)isneededto moveforwardwithprojectplansandthegoverningbodyhasapprovedthe action. (2) Ifasignificanthardshipcanbeshownbyanexistingresident,thelateral restrictiontotheresidentspropertymayberemovedbythemunicipalityupon approvalbytheDepartment.Itistheresponsibilityoftheresidentlandownerto demonstratethatahardshipexistsrelativetohisorherexistingwatersupplyor septicsystemandclearlydemonstratetheneedforpublicwaterorsewer service.Themunicipalityshalldevelopahardshipapplicationtobefiledwith themunicipality,approvedbytheCountyDepartmentofHealth,andagreedto bytheDepartmentofAgricultureandMarkets. (3) IfitcanbedemonstratedtotheDepartmentssatisfactionthatthe landownerrequestedthecountytoremovehisorherlandfromanagricultural districtatthetimeofdistrictreviewandthecountylegislativebodyrefusedto doso,lateralrestrictionsmayberemovedbythemunicipalityiftheDepartment
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determinesthattheremovaloftherestrictionforthesubjectparcel(s)wouldnot haveanunreasonablyadverseeffectontheagriculturaldistrict. (4) Iflandisremovedfromacountyadopted,Statecertifiedagricultural district,andthedistricthasbeenreviewedbythecountylegislativebodyand certifiedbytheCommissionerformodification,lateralrestrictionsimposedby themunicipalityarenolongerineffectfortheparcelsoflandthathavebeen removedfromtheagriculturaldistrict. (5) Hydrantsandvalveboxesmustnotbeplaceddirectlyinagricultural fields.
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K. Policies
ThefollowingnarrativepresentstheTownspolicieswithregardtoagriculturalandfarmland protectionandanalyzestherelatedissuesandopportunities.Thekeypoliciesare: 1. SupportalltypesoffarmoperationsintheTown 2. Protecttheagriculturallandbase 3. Improvetheeconomicviabilityofagriculture 4. Minimizeimpedimentsandincreasesupporttofarmoperations 5. Protectenvironmentalqualityandsupportsustainableenergyusage 6. Buildcommunitysupportforagriculture
1. SupportthediversityoffarmoperationsintheTown
ThewidediversityoffarmsintheTownandsurroundingareascontributetotheprotectionof thelandbase,communitycharacter,andsupportoftheregionalagriculturaleconomy.These includelargecommercialdairyandcropfarms,smallparttimeoperations,diversifiedfarms, organicfarmsandequineoperations.Dairyandcropfarmingutilizethemajorityoffarmlandin theTown,butothertypesoffarmoperationsareincreasing. WhiletheNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarketsdefinesafarmoperationasa commercialenterprisethatgeneratesatleast$10,000annuallyfromagriculturalactivities, severalsmallerfarmsintheTownalsohelptopreservetheagriculturallandscapeand contributetotheagriculturaleconomy.ManyofthepoliciesandrecommendationsinthePlan areintendedtosupportcommercialfarmsasdefinedbyNYSAgriculturalDistrictsLaw,and otherssupportparttimeoperationsaswell. Theequineindustryintheregionisgrowing.Thelargerfacilitiesthatareinvolvedwith breeding,boardingandotherservices,aswellastheresidenceswithhorsesfortheirownuse, supportotherbusinesses. Assmall,organicandspecialtycropsbecomemoreestablishedintheTownandinErieCounty, agriculturalsupportorganizationsneedtoadapttheirprogramstoprovideassistancetoa greaterdiversityoffarmoperations.Vegetablefarmsandorganicfarmsarealsoinneedof technicalsupport.
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TownofMarillaAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan Retainsufficienthighqualityagriculturallandtosupportfarmoperations
AgricultureisthepredominantlanduseintheTownandasignificantamountoftheTowns landbaseconsistofsoilsthatarehighlysuitableforagriculturalproduction.Issuesand opportunitiesrelatingtotheprotectionoffarmlandinclude: Conversionoffarmlandtoresidentialandotherdevelopment Vulnerabilityofrentedland Potentialforpermanentprotectionoffarmlandthroughconservationeasements
a. Encouragethepermanentprotectionoffarmlandthroughconservationeasementsand purchaseofdevelopmentrights Publicpurchaseofdevelopmentrightsandprivateconservationeasementsprotectland permanentlyfromdevelopmentandkeepaffordablelandavailableforagriculturalproduction. However,obtainingsufficientfundstopurchasedevelopmentrightsisasignificantchallenge. NewYorkStatefundingiscurrentlyunavailableandfuturefundingopportunitiesarenot known. b. Targethighestqualitylandforcropproduction SignificantareasintheTownconsistofprimeagriculturalsoilsthatareactivelyfarmed.Areas determinedtobemostsuitableforcontinuedagriculturaluseconsistofthosehighquality agriculturalsoilsthatareactivelyfarmedandsuitableforlongtermprotection.(SeeMap8: FarmlandSuitableforProtection). Whileagriculturalsoilsareespeciallycrucialtocropproduction,equineandlivestock operationscanutilizemoremarginallandsforpasture.Preservationeffortsshouldbefocused onthehighestqualitysoils,althoughotheropenareasarealsoimportanttoequineand livestockoperations. c. Acknowledgedependenceonrentedland ManyfarmersintheTownrelyonrentedlandtosupporttheiroperations.Issuesrelatingto rentedlandincludeincreasingcompetitionfromfarmersfortheavailableland,andthe vulnerabilityofrentedlandtoconversion. Farmerswholeaselandtypicallymakearrangementsdirectlywithaneighboringlandowner. Annuallandrentsvary,dependingonthelocationofthelandinrelationtothefarmershome base,thequalityofthesoilandtheconfigurationoftheparcel.Somefarmersareableto negotiatelongtermleases. Althoughmanyofthelandownerswholeaselandtofarmersforagriculturalproductionbenefit fromagriculturalusevalueassessment,theymaypaymoreinpropertytaxesthantheyreceive inannualleasepayments.
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d. Ensurelandownerawarenessoftaxreliefprograms Somelandownersmaynotbeawareofallofthetaxreliefprogramsthatareavailabletothem, suchasagriculturaluseassessments;capitalimprovementexemptions,etc.Ownersofland thatisrentedforfarming,inparticular,maynotknowthattheyareeligibleforagriculturaluse assessmentsiftheirlandisutilizedbyaqualifyingfarmer. Whilemanyownersoffarmlandarecommittedtokeepingthelandavailableforagricultural use,someownersofrentedlandareinterestedinsellingfordevelopmentiftheright opportunityarises. e. Limitedlandavailabletopurchaseorrent Manyfarmerswouldpurchaseadditionallandifitbecameavailable. Somelandthatwasformerlyusedtoproducecropsisnowbeingusedforlivestockpasture. Theavailabilityofaffordablelandisfrequentlyamajorchallengetostartupfarmsaswellas theexpansionoflargerfarms.Permanentprotectionoflandthroughconservationeasements canincreasetheavailabilityofaffordablelandfornewaswellasexperiencedfarmers. Additionalprogramsthatconnectfarmersseekinglandtolandforsaleorrentmaybehelpful. f. Protectedland Increasedavailabilityoflandthatispermanentlyprotectedbyconservationeasementswould provideongoingopportunitiesforcontinuedagriculturalproductionintheTown. g. Farmsuccession AlthoughmanyofthefarmoperatorsintheTownhaveplanstopassthefarmontoayounger generationinthesamefamily,othersdonot.Farmlandownedbyfamiliesthatdonotincludea youngergenerationinthebusinessismorelikelytobeconvertedtoresidentialorother development. However,thereisinterestamongyoungfarmersinestablishingfarmoperations.Landthatis protectedbypermanentconservationwouldbemoreaffordabletosuchnewfarmers.
3. Improvetheeconomicviabilityofagriculture
AgricultureisamajorindustryinErieCounty.Agriculturerelatedbusinesses,including productionagriculture,agritourism,agriculturalsupportbusinesses,distributionand processingarekeytotheregionandTownslongtermeconomicdevelopment.Productivity hasincreasedconsiderablyoverpastfewdecadesthroughmechanizationandotheradvances intechnology.Asthereislesspotentialforincreasedproductivity,increasedprofitabilitywill relyondiversificationandverticalintegrationofthefoodsystem.
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ThisPlanfocusesonthoseissuesthatcanbeaddressedorinfluencedbytheTownandother localentities.Itdoesnotaddresscommodityprices,globalmarkets,andregulationsthatare outsideofthecontroloflocal,CountyandStateofficials. Issuesandopportunitiesrelatingtotheeconomicviabilityofagricultureinvolve: Enhancemarketsforlocalfarmproducts Increaseregionalprocessingcapacity Supportvalueaddedproductsandbusinessdiversification Supportagritourism
a. Marketsforagriculturalproducts Marketsformilkandconventionalcashcropsarewellestablishedandindividualfarmersand localgovernmentshavelittleleveragetoinfluencethem.However,thereareopportunitiesfor localactiontosupportmarketsforlocalproduceandlivestock,andtoexpandmarketsfor valueaddedproducts. b. Promotionoflocalfarmproducts Demandforlocalfoodproductshasincreasedsignificantlyinrecentyearsandpresents opportunitiesforlocalfarmers.ResidentsofErieCountyarereadymarketsforlocallygrown food.Opportunitiesareespeciallystrongforproducersofvegetables,fruitandanimal products,andfornicheproductssuchaspastureraisedmeatandorganicproducts. c. DirectSales Farmersmarketsandroadsidestandsallowconsumerstopurchaseagriculturalproducts directlyfromthefarmer.Directretailsalescanincreaseincometothefarmerbyeliminating costsfordistribution. DirectsalesoperationsalsocontributetoagritourismintheTownandErieCounty. d. Processingopportunities SeveraldairyprocessorsarelocatedneartheTown,includingUpstateNiagarainWestSeneca andyogurtplantsinBatavia.Theproximityoftheseprocessorsisanadvantagetolocaldairy farms. LocalmeatproducersutilizesmallscaleprocessorsinStrykersvilleandArcade.Forlarger volumes,animalsmustbeshippedtoPennsylvaniaapproximatelyafourhourdrive. e. Distribution/Aggregation
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Whilelargerfarmshavetheirowntrucksforhaulingmilkandotherproductstomarkets, smallerproducersneedtocontractfordistribution.Smallproducersarechallengedtofind appropriatelyscaleddistributionandmarketingservices.AcurrentinitiativeatCornell CooperativeExtensionisexaminingopportunitiestosupportmarketsforlocalagricultural products. f. Valueaddedproducts Salesofvalueaddedproductscanincreasefarmersprofitsbyaddingincomefromproduct sales. LocalvalueaddedproductsarealsosoldatfarmersmarketsinAlden,EastAuroraandatand otherlocaloutlets.Theincreasingpublicinterestinlocallyproducedfoodhashelpedto supportthemarketfortheseproducts. Forsmallscaleproducers,itisoftendifficulttoincreaseproductionwithoutprohibitive investmentinnewequipmentandemployees. g. Businessdiversification Onfarmprocessingcancreateadditionalmarketsforfarmproducts,orenablefarmerstomeet thedemandsoflargeprocessors.Somefarmoperationsmayneedfinancialortechnical assistancetosupportexpansionordiversification. Grantfundsmaybeavailabletosuchexpansionswhentheywillresultinthecreationor retentionofjobs.SomelocalproducershavereceivedgrantsfromUSDARuralDevelopmentor NewYorkState.TheErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgencywillworkwithbusinessesto securesuchfundingwheneverthefundswouldresultinjobcreation. h. AgriTourismOpportunities Wine,beer,farmstandsandtheequineindustryallcontributetothetourismeconomyaswell astheagriculturalindustry.Theeconomicimpactsoftourismaregeneratedfromsalesofgas, lodging,foodserviceandotherproductsinadditiontodirectsalesofagriculturalproducts. Roadsidestandsthatselltheirproductsdirectlytothepubliccontributetoagritourismefforts. Equineoperationsandprivatehorsefarmsofferrecreationalopportunitiesandscenicviewsto residentsandvisitors. Thevalueofagriculturalproductsproducedonfarmsthatofferagritourismactivitiesvaries greatly.However,eachofthesefarmscontributestothecommunitybymaintainingopenland, promotinglocalfarmproducts,andparticipatingintheregionalagriculturaleconomy. i. Labor
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Farmersfinditdifficulttofindsuitablewillingworkers.Farmworkisphysicallydemandingand requiresdedication. Immigrationpoliciesandenforcementalsoaffectfarmoperations.Programsthatrecruit workersforothercountriesrequirefeesandpaperworkthatreducetheirviabilityforlocal farmers. Somefarmersseepotentialtoutilizecollegestudentsasfarmlaborinassociationwith organizedprograms. j. FinancialAssistance Highstartupcostsmakeitdifficultforyoungpeopletoestablishfarms.Thecostoflandand capitalisveryhigh. Smallfarmsfinditdifficulttoincreaseproductionwithoutinvestinginnewequipment. Technicalassistancetohelpvalueaddedproducersincreasethescaleofproduction
4. Provideinformationandtechnicalassistancetofarmers
a. Encourageandsupportbeginningfarmers Althoughtheaverageageoffarmersishigh,increasingnumbersofyoungpeoplehave expressedinterestinfarming.Technicalassistancefortheseentrepreneursisavailablethrough programssuchastheNortheastBeginningFarmerProject,whichishousedattheCornellSmall FarmsProgramandfundedbytheUSDAsBeginningFarmersandRanchersDevelopment Program,CornellCooperativeExtensionandregionalorganizations.(See http://nebeginningfarmers.org/.) Technicalassistancewithbusinessplanning Assistancewithwritinggrants
b. Increasesupporttofarmoperations ThisplanrecommendsthattheTownandotherlocalentitiestakemeasuresthatwouldsupport farmoperationsandavoidactionsthatwouldmakefarmingmoredifficult.Manyfarm operationswouldbenefitfromcontinuedsupportthroughtechnicalassistance,maintenanceof infrastructure,anddrainageprojects. Theissuesrelatingtofarmoperationsinclude: Managingdevelopmenttokeepresidencesawayfromproductivefarmland Avoidingormanagingconflictsbetweenfarmsandnonfarmingneighbors Reducingcumbersomeregulations
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Maintainingandimprovingphysicalinfrastructure,suchasroadsanddrainagefacilities Providinginformationandtechnicalassistancetofarmers
5. Managedevelopmenttokeepresidencesawayfromproductivefarmland
Generally,itisdifficulttofarmincloseproximitytoresidentialneighbors.Landuseregulations andotherlanduseplanningtoolsshouldseektodirectnewdevelopmentawayfrom farms/agriculturalareasor,ifsuchdevelopmentisunavoidable,todesignthedevelopmentin suchawayastominimizeimpactsonfarmoperations.Locallawscanhelptoresolveconflicts betweenfarmersandnonfarmingneighbors. Theextensionofutilitiestendstoencourageresidentialdevelopment,whichcanmakefarming moredifficult.Inplanningfortheextensionofwaterandotherpublicinfrastructure,the potentialimpactsonagriculturaloperationsshouldbeconsideredandmitigatedasneeded. Theuseofagriculturaldatastatementsandlateralrestrictionscanhelptoreduceimpacts createdbytheextensionofutilitiesintofarmingareas. a. Avoidormanageconflictsbetweenfarmsandnonfarmingneighbors Whenfarmoperationsareincloseproximitytoresidences,thepotentialforneighbor complaintscanincrease.Conflictsbetweenfarmingandnonfarmneighborscanariseevenin areasthataresparselypopulated,withrelativelyfewnonfarmresidenceslocatedadjacentto farmingoperations.ThereportFarms,CommunityandCollaboration:AGuidetoResolving FarmNeighborConflict,examinestheissuesrelatingtosuchconflictsandhowtheymaybe resolvedthroughmediation. Farmneighborsmaycomplainaboutmudontheroad,odors,noise,slowvehiclesorotherfarm practices.Althoughthesepracticesareprotected,inmostcases,byrighttofarmprovisions oftheNYSAgriculturalDistrictsLaw,neighborcomplaintscanmakefarmingmoredifficult.If nuisancecomplaintsaretakentocourt,farmersmustundertakeexpensivelegaldefense,and diverttimeandenergyfromtheirfarmbusiness. Neighborsmaycomplainaboutnoiseassociatedwithagribusinessevents,suchasoutdoor musicperformances.Whetherornotpublicentertainmentatanagribusinessisaprotected practicethatisprotectedbytheNYSAgriculturalDistrictslawissubjecttointerpretationbythe NYSDepartmentofAgriculture&Markets.Evenforagribusinessesthatareprotectedthrough theAgriculturalDistrictprogram,thecomplaintcanmakeithardtoestablishactivitiesthatmay beintegraltotheagritourism. NonfarmingresidentsoftheTown,particularlythosenewtotheareaortocountryliving,may perceivethatcertainfarmpracticesthreatentheenvironment.Theseresidentsmanybenefit fromadditionalinformationabouttheextenttowhichfarmersmanageresourcestoprotect waterqualitybypreventingrunoffofmanureorchemicals,forexample,ortominimizeodor.
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Subdivisiondesigncanaffectagriculturaloperations Newresidentiallotsinagriculturalareashavethepotentialtoimpactagriculturaldrainage, accessroadsandotheragriculturalinfrastructure.Whennewlotsarecreatedinagricultural areas,farmlandmaybelostandthepotentialforconflictsbetweenthenewresidential developmentandtheremainingfarmlandisincreased.Inaddition,fieldsthatarebrokenupby houselotsarelessefficienttofarmwithlargeequipment. b. Reducecumbersomeregulations TheTownslanduseregulationsaregenerallysupportiveofagriculture.However,thereare someprovisionsthatmaybeinconsistentwiththeNYSAgriculturalDistrictLaw.TheZoning AuditinAppendixBpresentsananalysisoftheTownslanduseregulationsandrecommends waysthattheregulationscanbemoresupportiveofthoseagriculturaloperationsthatare definedasafarmoperationbytheNYAgriculturalDistrictsLaw. Difficultandexpensivetocomplywithgovernmentregulations:foodsafety(milkand freshproduce),labor,pesticideandfertilizerspraying,otherenvironmentalregulations. PotentialformoreonerousFederalregulationsforfarmswithintheChesapeakeBay watershed.
Manyoftheissuesidentifiedbystakeholders,however,areoutsideofthecontroloflocal officials.Theseincludeconcernsaboutfederalandstatefoodsafetyregulations,immigration lawsandtheirenforcement. c. Maintainandimprovephysicalinfrastructure MaintainTransportationInfrastructure GoodaccesstoThruway,northsouthhighways Accesstorailtransportation Localroadsneedtosupportweightoftruckshaulingagriculturalproducts Drainageconcerns Somefarmlandrequiresdrainageimprovementstoimproveitsproductivity.The investmentinsuchimprovementsisabarriertofarmerswithlimitedaccesstocapital. SomeoftheagriculturallandintheTownrequiresdrainageimprovementsinorderto maintainproductivity.Often,theseprojectsrequirecooperationamongseveral landowners,aseasementsareneededtoallowaccessformaintenance.Anydrainage projectmustcomplywithStateandFederalregulationsthataddresswetlands,flood hazardareas,andstreamcorridors.
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TheCountySoil&WaterConservationDistrictadviseslandownersregardingthedesign andinstallationofdrainageprojects. d. Accesstosuppliesandsupportservices FarmsintheTownbenefitfromtheproximityoftheagriculturalsupportandsupplybusinesses locatedinEastAurora,Aldenandotherneighboringtowns.Suchbusinessesshouldbe encouragedtoremainand/orbelocatedintheTown.
6. Protectenvironmentalqualityandsupportsustainableenergyusage
Environmentalprotectionisimportanttofarmersandnonfarmingresidentsalike.Residentsas wellaslivestockrelyongroundwaterfordrinkingwatersupplies.Generatingenergyfrom renewablesourcescanreducedependenceonfossilfuels. a. Groundwaterqualityandtheenvironment Agriculturaloperationsdependupontheavailabilityofcleanwatersupplies.Theprotectionof groundwaterisimportanttoTownresidentsaswell,asbothpublicandprivatedrinkingwater suppliesdrawfromgroundwaterwells.Potentialprojectsandpracticesthatcouldimpact groundwaterandsurfacewaterquality,suchasthelandspreadingofsanitarysewersludge, needtobecloselyexaminedbeforebeingpermittedintheTown. b. RenewableEnergyopportunities Somefarmoperationsandrelatedbusinessesmaybenefitfromtheinstallationofwind,solar, biomassoranaerobicdigesterstoreplaceconventionalsourcesofenergy.Theuseof sustainableenergysourceshasthepotentialtoreducelongrangeenergycostsandlower greenhousegasemissions. Cellulosicethanol SolarpanelsfundedbyUSDARuralEnergyAssistanceProgramgrant Windenergyforonsiteuse Anaerobicdigesterscanconvertmanureintoelectricity Newnetmeteringlegislationallowsenergyproducerstosellexcesselectricitytothe utility o USDAREAP,NYSERDAgrants o Energyefficiencyincentives
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GrantsandloanstoinstallEnergyEfficiency&RenewableEnergygrantsareavailablethrough NYSERDA,USDARuralDevelopment,andNYSDepartmentofAgriculture&Markets(See AppendixJ.) c. Impactsfromgasdrillingandmining Whileleasesfornaturalgascangenerateneededincomeforfarmers,manyresidentsare concernedaboutthepotentialimpactsofnaturalgasdrillingandhydrofracking,inparticular, onthenaturalenvironmentandthecharacterofthecommunity. Currently,theNYSDepartmentofAgriculturedoesnotconsideroil/gasdrillingandwind turbinedevelopmenttobeincompatiblewithagriculturaloperationsprovidedthatcertain safeguardsareputinplace.TheeasementplacedonfarmlandthatisprotectedbyNewYork StatesPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsprogramdoesallowgasdrillingprovidedthatany farmlandthatisdisturbedduringdrillingisproperlyrestored.Forexample,topsoilmustbe separatedfromthesubsoilwhenlandisexcavated,thenrestoredproperlytoretainitsformer productivity.Inaddition,theconstructionofaccessroadstoservegaswellsshouldnotsever farmfieldsorremoveviablelandfromagriculturalproduction. Despitethesafeguardsthatcanretainsoilproductivityfollowinggasdrillingonindividual parcels,intensiveminingandnaturalgasextractioncanhavesignificantnegativeimpactson communitycharacter.Suchimpactsmaydetractfromtherurallandscapewhichisasignificant assettothetourismbasedeconomyoftheregion.
7. Buildcommunitysupportforagriculture
Communityresidentsandpoliticalleadersclearlysupporttheagriculturalindustryandlocal farms.Sustainingandbuildingthissupportisnecessarytoensurethesuccessofthepolicies andrecommendationsinthisPlan.Issuesrelatingtocommunitysupportinclude: Fiscalbenefitsofretaininglandinagriculturalusecomparedtoresidentialdevelopment Availabilityoflocalfood Scenicvalueoffarmland
Inaddition,institutionsthatsupportfarmlandandtheagriculturalindustryrequirecontinued financialassistancefromgovernmentandotherentities.TheserangefromtheErieCounty AgriculturalEconomicDevelopmentSpecialisttoschoolbasedFutureFarmersofAmerica programs. ThefollowingassetsinthecommunitywereidentifiedatthefirstpublicworkshoponthisPlan: Considerableexpertiseamongfarmersaswellasinstitutionsthatsupportfarmers academia,businesses,governmentagencies
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UnderstandingandsupportofagriculturebyCountyandlocalpoliticiansiscurrently strong.Concernsthatpoliticalsupportforagriculturemaydiminishaspopulation changes. Pastandpotentiallossoffundingforprogramsthatsupportagriculture. Agriculturalheritage:FarmingispartoftheTownshistoryandcommunitycharacter (notedinComprehensivePlan) Buildonthelocalfoodmovementtogeneratesupportforlocalfarms Protectionoffarmlandcanbenefitcommunitiesfiscally,asdocumentedbyCostof CommunityServicesStudies. Environmental/Animalrightsactivistscanimpactfarmoperations Needforimprovedcoordination Coordinationamongagriculturalsupportentities:CooperativeExtension,SWCD Continueandexpandpubliceducationprograms
Publiceducation Whilethecommunitygenerallyappreciatestheopenspaceandscenicviewsaffordedby plentifulfarmland,thegeneralpublichaslittleawarenessoftheeconomicandfiscalbenefits thatagricultureprovidestothecommunity.Thesebenefitsinclude: theeconomicimpactofagricultureasanindustry theproductionoflocalfood lowercostofcommunityservicesascomparedtoresidentialdevelopment scenicviewsofopenland
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L. RecommendedActions
Goal1. Permanentlyprotecthighqualityfarmlandforcontinued agriculturalproduction
Permanentprotectionoffarmland,providedthatfarmingremainsfinancialviable,isthemosteffective waythatlocalentitiesandlandownerscansupportagricultureoverthelongterm.Permanent conservationeasementsremovethedevelopmentrightsfromland,removingdevelopmentpressure andcreatinglandthatismoreaffordableforpurchasebyfarmers.
RecommendedActions a. PurchaseadditionalconservationeasementsundertheTownsPurchaseof AgriculturalConservationEasements(PACE)program. i. EstablishaCapitalReserveFundorallocateTownfundsforPACE. ii. Publicizetheprogramandsolicitproposalsfromlandowners. iii. ApplythecriteriaspecifiedinthisPlantotargetthehighestrated agriculturalparcelsforinclusionintheprogram. iv. Retainaqualifiedtechnicalconsultanttoadministertheeasement preparationandnegotiations. v. SeekadditionalfundingfromErieCounty,privatefoundationsandother sourcestosupportthePACEprogram. vi. SponsorapplicationstoNYSforPurchaseofDevelopmentRights(PDR) and/orFederalFarmandRanchProtectionProgramasfundingbecomes available. b. Encouragelandownerstodonateconservationeasementstoalandtrust. i. Provideinformationtolandownerswhomaychoosetodonate conservationeasementstoalandtrust,potentiallyaspartofestate planning. ii. EncouragetheWesternNewYorkLandConservancyandotherland truststodiscusswithlandownersthepotentialbenefitsofeasement donationandtoencourageprivatedonationofconservationeasements.
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TownofMarillaAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan Goal2. Improveeconomicconditionsforfarming
Agricultureisabusinessandcannotcontinueunlessitiseconomicallyviable.Although mostoftheeconomicfactorsthataffectfarmingasabusinessthatarewelloutsidethe influenceoflocalgovernments(prices,regulations,globalmarkets,etc.),local governmentscansupportthebusinessoffarmingthroughlanduseregulations, administeringtaxexemptionsandsupportinglocalmarketsforagriculturalproducts. RecommendedActions a. Encourageagritourism. i. Periodicallypublishanddistributealocalbusinessguidethatincludes farmmarkets,roadsidestandsandotheragriculturerelatedbusinesses (MarillaBusinessDirectory.) CollaboratewithneighboringTowns,ErieCountyCooperativeExtension andotherentitiestosupportandpromotefarmmarkets,roadsidestands andotheragritourismenterprisesonaregionbasis. Maintainlanduseregulationsanddevelopmentpoliciesthatsupport agritourismbusinesseswhileprotectingtheruralcharacterofthe communityandenvironmentalquality.
ii.
iii.
b. Encouragelandownersandfarmbusinessoperatorstoobtainallapplicable realpropertytaxexemptionsandincentives. i. Identifyownersoflandthatisrentedforagriculturalproductionwhodo notreceiveagriculturaluseassessmentsandmailtheminformation abouttheprogram. Ensurethatinformationaboutvarioustaxreliefprogramsisavailablein theAssessorsOfficeandelsewhereattheTownHall. EncouragetheTownAssessortoinformfarmlandlandownersabouttax reliefprogramsthattheymaybeeligiblefor,includinginformationabout deadlinesforapplying.Includeinformationaboutexemptionsinthe Townsannualmailingregardingagriculturalassessments.
ii. iii.
c. Supportthedevelopmentofvalueaddedmanufacturingofagricultural products. i. Removezoningrestrictionsonfarmbasedanimalprocessing,as recommendedintheZoningAudit,inordertoaccommodateadditional valueaddedproductionandsupportmarketsforlocalproducts.
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ii. Provideinformationtoentrepreneursaboutsourcesoftechnicaland financialassistance,suchastheresourcesavailablethroughCornell CooperativeExtensionofErieCounty.
d. WorkwithCountyandStateagenciestodeveloporexpandmarketsfor agriculturalproducts. i. WorkwithErieCountyandregionalentitiestoretainandattractfood processors,distributorsandotheragriculturerelatedindustrial businessestotheregion. ii. ProvideinformationaboutgrantsandloansadministeredbytheIDAfor thecreation,expansionorimprovementofagriculturerelatedbusinesses thatcreateorretainjobs e. Encourageresidentsandinstitutionstopurchaselocalfarmproducts. i. ii. EstablishapolicyfortheTowntopurchaselocalagriculturalproducts wheneverpossible. Encouragethelocalschools,churchesandotherinstitutionstoincreases purchasesoflocalfarmproducts.
f. Modifyzoningregulationstobettersupportagriculture(SeeZoningAudit.) i. ii. Clarifydefinitionsofagriculturaluses. Addagriculturalusesthatarepartofafarmoperationinacertified AgriculturalDistricttothelistofpermitteduseintheRRRuralResidential District. Clarifythatagriculturerelatedfencingislimitedto8feetinheight. Clarifythatparcelswithlessthan10acresmaybeusedforfarmingif theyarepartofafarmoperationthatmeetsthethresholdforprotection undertheNYSAgriculturalDistrictsLaw. Includecommercialstablesthatmeetthethresholdforprotectioninthe NYSAgriculturalDistrictsLawinthedefinitionofagriculturaluseor farm.
iii. iv.
v.
Goal3.
Increasepublicunderstandingandsupportofagricultureinthe community.
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Educationandawarenessprogramshelpresidentstocelebratelocalagriculture,learn aboutthecomplexitiesoftheagriculturalindustry,todispelmisconceptions,andto betterunderstandthelimitedrolethatlocalgovernmenthastoregulatefarmpractices. RecommendedActions a. ContinuetosponsortheTownsannualAgricultureDayatthePavilion. b. Prepareanddistributeafactsheetthatincludesinformationaboutstandard farmpracticesandtherighttofarmprovisionsoftheNYSAgriculturalDistrict Law. c. ContinuetopromoteandapplytheTownslocalRighttoFarmLaw. d. ChangenameofMarillaConservationAdvisoryBoardtoMarillaAgriculture& ConservationAdvisoryBoard. e. Provideinformationtoresidentsandlocalschoolsaboutprogramsadministered byNewYorkState,ErieCounty,CornellCooperativeExtension,andother agenciesthatraisepublicawarenessoffarmingpracticesandtheeconomic significanceofagriculture,includingeducationalactivitiesforschoolchildren.
Goal4.
Managenonagriculturaldevelopmenttominimizeimpactson agriculture.
NewnonagriculturaldevelopmentinMarillahasthepotentialtoremovehighquality soilsfromagriculturalproduction.Residentialdevelopmentincloseproximitytofarms canleadtoconflictsbetweenfarmersandnonfarmingneighbors.Localgovernments canhelptominimizetheseimpactsthroughlocalzoningandsubdivisionregulationsand managementofutilityextensions. RecommendedActions a. Applyzoningandsubdivisionregulationstoensurethatnewresidential developmentintheTownhasaminimalimpactonagriculturaloperations. i. Rezonecertainareasthatarelesssuitableforagriculturalusefrom Agricultural(A)toRuralResidential(RR)andacorrespondingamountof landthatismoresuitableforagriculturalusefromRRtoA.SeeMap13 asaguide. ii. Developasubdivisiondesignbooktodemonstratehowfarmlandcanbe retainedaspartofaconservationsubdivisiondesign.Incorporateclear guidelinesintotheTownssubdivisionregulationsthathelpthePlanning Boardandthelandowner/developertositenewhouselotsinawaythat minimizesthepotentialforconflictwithfarming.
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iii. AmendsubdivisionregulationstoauthorizethePlanningBoardtoreview subdivisionsthatcreateoneormorenewlots. iv. ModifysubdivisionregulationstoauthorizethePlanningBoardtorequire conservation(clustered)subdivisionswheretheywouldeffectively preservehighqualityfarmland. b. Avoidorreduceimpactsonagriculturaloperationsfrominfrastructure extensions. i. Considerimpactsofincreaseddevelopmentonagriculturerelatingto extensionsofsewerorwaterservices. ii. WhenwaterlinesareextendedthroughlandinaStatecertified AgriculturalDistrict,adoptlateralrestrictionstolimitresidentialhookups.
Goal5.
Promoteenvironmentalprotectionandsustainability
Agriculturalproductionbothreliesonahealthynaturalenvironmentandhasthe potentialtoaffecttheenvironment.Localgovernmentscanencourageparticipationin Federal,Stateandregionalprogramstoprotecttheenvironmentandpromote sustainableuseofnaturalresources. RecommendedActions a. Supportandmonitorenvironmentalprotection,sustainableenergyanddrainage improvementprogramsadministeredbyotherentities. i. ii. WorkcloselywithNYSDECduringthereviewofsolidwastedisposaland otheractivitiesthatmayimpactgroundwaterquality. EncouragefarmerstoparticipateintheAgriculturalEnvironmental ManagementProgramandotherprogramsthatprotectenvironmental qualityonfarms. Provideinformationtofarmersaboutincentivestoinstallrenewable energyfacilitiesandimproveenergyefficiency. WorkwiththeErieCountySoil&WaterConservationDistricttoidentify, obtainfundingfor,andconstructdrainageprojectsthatwouldbenefit agriculturaloperationsintheTown.
iii. iv.
b. Minimizetheimpactonfarmlandfromgaswellsandotherutilityexpansions.
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i. Provideinformationtofarmlandownersandgasexploration companiestoensurethatbothpartiesareawareoftheprocedures thatneedtobefollowedtoproperlymanageagriculturalsoils duringandaftergaswelldrillingandotherlanddisturbance activities. Enactlocallawstorestrictlargescalemininganddrillingwhere suchactivitieswouldnegativelyimpacttheruralcharacterand landscapeoftheTown.
ii.
Goal6. Maintainpartnershipswithgovernmentalandnotforprofit agriculturalsupportagencies.

NumerousCounty,Stateandregionalagenciesadministernumerousprogramstosupport areafarmersandtheagriculturalindustry.TheseincludetheNYSDepartmentofAgriculture &Markets,CornellCooperativeExtensionofErieCounty,ErieCountyAgriculturaland FarmlandProtectionBoard,ErieCountySoilandWaterConservationDistrict,USDANatural ResourcesConservationService,ErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency,ErieCounty DepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentandPlanningandotheragencies.Local governmentscanhelptopublicizetheprogramstheseagenciesOften,theseprograms wouldbenefitfromlocalpromotion. RecommendedActions a. CompileanddistributeinformationaboutprogramsadministeredbyErie CountyagenciesattheTownHallandthroughtheTownswebsite. b. MaintaincommunicationswithErieCountyagenciesaboutprogramstoassist andsupportfarmersandfarmrelatedbusinessesintheTown.
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M. ImplementationStrategyTimeFrameand ResponsibleEntities
ShortTermAction 03years LongTermAction 37years OngoingAction
Policies&RecommendedActions
Responsible Entity
OtherInvolved Parties
Goal1.
Permanentlyprotecthighqualityfarmlandforcontinuedagriculturalproduction
a. PurchaseadditionalconservationeasementsundertheTownsPurchaseofAgricultural ConservationEasements(PACE)program. i.EstablishaCapitalReserveFundorallocate TownfundsforPACE.

X TownBoard (funding) Conservation Board (administration) LandConservancy ofWNY LandConservancy ofWNY Conservation Board;Land Trusts LandConservancy ofWNY ErieCounty;Land Conservancyof WNY
ii. Publicizetheprogramandsolicitproposals X TownBoard fromlandowners. iii. ApplythecriteriaspecifiedinthisPlanto X TownBoard targetthehighestratedagriculturalparcelsfor inclusionintheprogram. iv. Retainaqualifiedtechnicalconsultantto X administertheeasementpreparationand TownBoard negotiations. v. SeekadditionalfundingfromErieCounty, X privatefoundationsandothersourcestosupport TownBoard thePACEprogram vi. SponsorapplicationstoNYSforPurchaseof DevelopmentRights(PDR)and/orFederalFarm X TownBoard andRanchProtectionProgramasfunding becomesavailable. b. Encouragelandownerstodonateconservationeasementstoalandtrust.. i. Provideinformationtolandownerswhomay Land X Conservancy of choosetodonateconservationeasementstoa WNY landtrust,potentiallyaspartofestateplanning. ii. EncouragetheWesternNewYorkLand Conservancyandotherlandtruststodiscusswith landownersthepotentialbenefitsofeasement donation,potentiallyaspartofestateplanning.
LandConservancy ofWNY
Conservation Board LandConservancy ofWNY
Conservation Board
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ShortTermAction 03years LongTermAction 37years
OngoingAction
Responsible Entity
Goal2.
Improveeconomicconditionsforfarming
a. Encourageagritourism i. Periodicallypublishanddistributealocal businessguidethatincludesfarmmarkets, Conservation X X TownBoard Board roadsidestandsandotheragriculturerelated businesses(MarillaBusinessDirectory.) ii. CollaboratewithneighboringTowns,Erie Conservation X X CountyCooperativeExtensionandother CCE Board entitiestopromoteagritourismregionally. iii. Maintainlanduseregulationsand developmentpoliciestosupportagritourism X TownBoard PlanningBoard businesseswhileprotectingtheruralcharacter ofthecommunityandenvironmentalquality. b. Encouragelandownersandfarmbusinessoperatorstoobtainallapplicablerealpropertytax exemptionsandincentives. i. Identifyownersoflandthatisrentedfor TownBoard; agriculturalproductionwhodonotreceive X TownAssessor Conservation agriculturaluseassessmentsandmailthem Board informationabouttheprogram. ii. Ensurethatinformationaboutvarioustax TownBoard; X TownAssessor Conservation reliefprogramsisavailableintheAssessors Board OfficeandelsewhereattheTownHall. iii. EncouragetheTownAssessortoinform farmlandlandownersabouttaxreliefprograms thattheymaybeeligiblefor(agricultural TownBoard; X TownAssessor Conservation structures,etc.),includinginformationabout Board deadlinesforapplying.Includeinformation aboutexemptionsintheTownsannual mailingregardingagriculturalassessments. c. Supportthedevelopmentofvalueaddedmanufacturingofagriculturalproducts. i. Removezoningrestrictionsonfarmbased animalprocessing,asrecommendedinthe ZoningAudit,inordertoaccommodate additionalvalueaddedproductionand supportmarketsforlocalproducts.
PlanningBoard
TownBoard
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OngoingAction
Responsible Entity
ii. Provideinformationtoentrepreneursabout sourcesoftechnicalandfinancialassistance, suchastheresourcesavailablethrough CornellCooperativeExtensionofErieCounty.

d.
Cornell Cooperative Conservation X Extension;USDA Board RD;ErieCounty IDA WorkwithCountyandStateagenciestodeveloporexpandmarketsforagriculturalproducts. X TownBoard Cornell Cooperative Extension
i. WorkwithErieCountyandregional entitiestoretainandattractfoodprocessors, distributorsandotheragriculturerelated industrialbusinessestotheregion. ii. Provideinformationaboutgrantsandloans administeredbytheIDAforthecreation, expansionorimprovementofagriculturerelated businessesthatcreateorretainjobs i. EstablishapolicyfortheTownto purchaselocalagriculturalproductswhenever possible. ii. Encouragethelocalschools,churchesand otherinstitutionstoincreasespurchasesof localfarmproducts. i. Clarifydefinitionsofagriculturaluses. ii. Addagriculturalusesthatarepartofafarm operationinacertifiedAgriculturalDistrict tothelistofpermitteduseintheRRRural ResidentialDistrict. iii. Clarifythatagriculturerelatedfencingis limitedto8feetinheight. iv. Clarifythatparcelswithlessthan10acres maybeusedforfarmingiftheyarepartofa farmoperationthatmeetsthethresholdfor protectionundertheNYSAgricultural DistrictsLaw. v. Includecommercialstablesthatmeetthe thresholdforprotectionintheNYS AgriculturalDistrictsLawinthedefinitionof agriculturaluseorfarm.
Conservation Board;Town Board
ErieCountyIDA
e. Encourageresidentsandinstitutionstopurchaselocalfarmproducts. X TownBoard Conservation Board Conservation Board SchoolDistricts, local organizations
f. Modifyzoningregulationstobettersupportagriculture(SeeZoningAudit.) X TownBoard PlanningBoard
TownBoard
PlanningBoard
TownBoard
PlanningBoard
TownBoard
PlanningBoard
TownBoard
PlanningBoard
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OngoingAction
Responsible Entity
Goal3.
Increasepublicunderstandingandsupportofagricultureinthecommunity. Recommendedactions
X Conservation Board Conservation Board TownBoard; TownClerk TownBoard; TownClerk Conservation BoardTown Clerk Conservation Board SchoolDistricts; Cornell Cooperative Extension;Soil& Water Conservation District;school districts
a. ContinuetosponsortheTownsannual AgricultureDayatthePavilion. b.Prepareanddistributeafactsheetthat includesinformationaboutstandardfarm practicesandtherighttofarmprovisionsof theNYSAgriculturalDistrictLaw B. ContinuetopublicizeandapplytheTowns localRighttoFarmLaw. C. ChangenameofMarillaConservationAdvisory BoardtoMarillaAgriculture&Conservation AdvisoryBoard. D. Provideinformationtoresidentsandlocal schoolsaboutprogramsadministeredbyNew YorkState,ErieCounty,CornellCooperative Extension,andotheragenciesthatraisepublic awarenessoffarmingpracticesandthe economicsignificanceofagriculture,including educationalactivitiesforschoolchildren.
X
TownBoard
TownBoard
Conservation Board
Goal4. Managenonagriculturaldevelopmenttominimizeimpactsonagriculture. a. ApplyzoningandsubdivisionregulationstoensurethatnewresidentialdevelopmentintheTownhas aminimalimpactonagriculturaloperations. i. Rezonecertainareasthatarelesssuitablefor agriculturalusefromAgricultural(A)toRural X TownBoard PlanningBoard Residential(RR)andacorrespondingamount oflandthatismoresuitableforagricultural usefromRRtoA.SeeMap13asaguide. ii. Developasubdivisiondesignbookto demonstratehowfarmlandcanberetained aspartofaconservationsubdivisiondesign. IncorporateclearguidelinesintotheTowns ErieCounty X PlanningBoard Planning subdivisionregulationsthathelpthePlanning Boardandthelandowner/developertosite newhouselotsinawaythatminimizesthe potentialforconflictwithfarming. iii. Amendsubdivisionregulationstoauthorize
X TownBoard PlanningBoard
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OngoingAction
Responsible Entity
thePlanningBoardtoreviewsubdivisions thatcreateoneormorenewlots. iv. Modifysubdivisionregulationstoauthorize thePlanningBoardtorequireconservation X TownBoard PlanningBoard (clustered)subdivisionswheretheywould effectivelypreservehighqualityfarmland. c. Avoidorreduceimpactsonagriculturaloperationsfrominfrastructureextensions. Considerimpactsofincreaseddevelopmenton X TownBoard TownEngineer agriculturerelatingtoextensionsofseweror waterservices. Whenwaterlinesareextendedthroughlandin X TownBoard TownEngineer aStatecertifiedAgriculturalDistrict,adopt lateralrestrictionstolimitresidentialhookups. Goal5.
Promoteenvironmentalprotectionandsustainability
a. Supportandmonitorenvironmentalprotection,sustainableenergyanddrainageimprovement programsadministeredbyotherentities. X PlanningBoard; NYSDEC i. WorkcloselywithNYSDECduringthe TownBoard reviewofsolidwastedisposalandother activitiesthatmayimpactgroundwater quality. ii. a.Encouragefarmerstoparticipateinthe Soil&Water AgriculturalEnvironmentalManagement Conservation X Conservation Board Programandotherprogramsthatprotect District environmentalqualityonfarms. iii. WorkwithCooperativeExtension, NYSERDA,USDARuralDevelopmentand Cornell otherentitiestoprovideinformationto Conservation Cooperative X Board Extension;USDA farmersregardingfinancialassistance RD;NYSERDA programstoinstallrenewableenergy facilities
Soil&Water Conservation District
iv. WorkwiththeErieCountySoil&Water ConservationDistricttoidentify,obtain fundingfor,andconstructdrainageprojects thatwouldbenefitagriculturaloperations intheTown.
Conservation Board
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OngoingAction
Responsible Entity
b. Minimizetheimpactonfarmlandfromgaswellsandotherutilityexpansions. i. Provideinformationtofarmlandowners andgasexplorationcompaniestoensure thatbothpartiesareawareofthe proceduresthatneedtobefollowedto properlymanageagriculturalsoilsduring andaftergaswelldrillingandotherland disturbanceactivities. ii. Enactlocallawstorestrictlargescale mininganddrillingwheresuchactivities wouldnegativelyimpacttheruralcharacter andlandscapeoftheTown. Goal6.
Conservation Board;Town Board
Cornell Cooperative Extension
TownBoard
PlanningBoard
Maintainpartnershipswithgovernmentalandnotforprofitagriculturalsupportagencies
RecommendedActions a.Compileanddistributeinformationabout programsadministeredbyErieCounty agenciesattheTownHallandthroughthe Townswebsite. a. MaintaincommunicationswithErieCounty agenciesaboutprogramstoassistand supportfarmersandfarmrelated businessesintheTown.

X Conservation Board;Town Clerk Conservation Board;Town Board ErieCountyAED; Cornell Cooperative Extension;SWCD ErieCountyAED; Cornell Cooperative Extension;SWCD
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N. ImplementationStrategy
1. AdministrativeFramework
TheTownConservationBoardwillberesponsibleforthelandprotectionandpublicawareness tasksrecommendedinthisPlan.TheTownPlanningBoardwillapplysubdivisionreview standardsandwillworkcloselywiththeTownBoardtoupdatelanduseregulationsas recommendedinthezoningaudit.ThedutiesoftheConservationBoardincludethefollowing: Maintaincommunicationswiththefarmoperatorsandfarmlandowners. Adviseotherboardsregardingissuesrelatingtoagricultureandfarmlandprotection. Refertheseboardstoappropriatesourcesforinformation. Maintaininformationaboutconservationprogramsavailabletofarmlandowners,as wellasinformationonestateplanningandlandconservationprograms. Workwithlocalretailers,restaurantsandinstitutionsaswellasfarmerstohelpbring localcropstolocalmarkets. Coordinatetherecommendedpubliceducationactivities.
2. FormalApprovalProcess
TheplanwasreferredtotheErieCountyAgriculturalandFarmlandProtectionBoardfor approval.TheErieCountyAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionBoardapprovedthePlanatits meetingon________.TheTownBoardheldapublichearingontheproposedplanon December________.TheTownformallyapprovedthePlanon____________andsubmittedit totheCommissioneroftheNYSDepartmentofAgricultureandMarketsforfinalapproval.
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Marilla Ag Plan Draft Nov 2013

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Marilla Ag Plan Draft Nov 2013

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Town of Marilla Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan

Planning Consultant: Barbara Johnston, AICP

1. Public/ Stakeholder Input................................................................................................. 3 2. Approval process ............................................................................................................. 4 D. Planning Context 4

1. Conservation Easements/ Purchase of Development Rights ......................................... 28

Implementation Strategy Time Frame and Responsible Entities

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Recommendedactionsto,Protectfarmlandandstabilizethelandbase,include: DeterminethefeasibilityofanErieCountyPurchaseofDevelopmentRightsProgram Assisttownsthatwishtoadopttermand/orpermanenteasementprograms.

Recommendationsto,Helpanextgenerationbecomeestablishedonnewandexistingfarms andtoImprovefarmviabilityandincreaseinvestmentinagriculturaleconomicdevelopment focuson: workforcedevelopment youtheducation trainingfornewfarmers regionalprocessingfacilities

Relevantrecommendationstosupportbusinessdevelopmentinclude: Createandparticipateinastatewidecommitteeto:reviewexistingagricultural regulationstoevaluatewhethertheyarerelevantandnecessary;makeregulations activityspecificinsteadofdepartmentspecifictoreducecostandburdenonagricultural

Total: 17,622 100.0% 5,867 100.0% CalculatedwithGISsoftwarefromdelineationsofactivefarmfieldsandotheropenlandthatmaybe suitableforfarming,fromaerialphotos.SeeMap6:ActiveFarmland

TownofMarillaAgricultural&FarmlandProtectionPlan Goal2. Improveeconomicconditionsforfarming

c. Supportthedevelopmentofvalueaddedmanufacturingofagricultural products. i. Removezoningrestrictionsonfarmbasedanimalprocessing,as recommendedintheZoningAudit,inordertoaccommodateadditional valueaddedproductionandsupportmarketsforlocalproducts.

Goal6. Maintainpartnershipswithgovernmentalandnotforprofit agriculturalsupportagencies.

a. PurchaseadditionalconservationeasementsundertheTownsPurchaseofAgricultural ConservationEasements(PACE)program. i.EstablishaCapitalReserveFundorallocate TownfundsforPACE.

Conservation Board LandConservancy ofWNY

ii. Provideinformationtoentrepreneursabout sourcesoftechnicalandfinancialassistance, suchastheresourcesavailablethrough CornellCooperativeExtensionofErieCounty.

Conservation Board;Town Board

e. Encourageresidentsandinstitutionstopurchaselocalfarmproducts. X TownBoard Conservation Board Conservation Board SchoolDistricts, local organizations

f. Modifyzoningregulationstobettersupportagriculture(SeeZoningAudit.) X TownBoard PlanningBoard

iv. WorkwiththeErieCountySoil&Water ConservationDistricttoidentify,obtain fundingfor,andconstructdrainageprojects thatwouldbenefitagriculturaloperations intheTown.

Conservation Board;Town Board

Cornell Cooperative Extension

RecommendedActions a.Compileanddistributeinformationabout programsadministeredbyErieCounty agenciesattheTownHallandthroughthe Townswebsite. a. MaintaincommunicationswithErieCounty agenciesaboutprogramstoassistand supportfarmersandfarmrelated businessesintheTown.

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