The business of farming is constantly changing, and with that the amount of land actively farmed has decreased in many places, including Oneida County. In addition, the proliferation of solar energy projects has created new development pressure on farmland.
Oneida County’s Farmland Protection Board recognizes the importance of developing renewable energy, as well as the need for individual farm landowners to make prudent financial decisions for their families. We advocate for a balanced approach.
In New York State, most decisions that affect farmland are made at the town level, in the form of planning, zoning, and permitting actions. The system of “home rule” allows residents to determine the future of their neighborhoods.
New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets has funding of up to $25,000 available for towns that undertake municipal planning projects focused on…
LETTER: Solar energy projects put development pressure on farmland
