*this piece is an excerpt from the publication

Land located in metropolitan counties or those counties immediately surrounding city centers produce 56% of the food grown in the United States. Rural counties are attractive to people seeking "that place in the country."

Local municipal leaders are responsible for juggling private property rights, community growth, quality of life issues and environmental protection. The land that is most desirable and economical for food production is also the land that is most attractive for development. From the agricultural production perspective, a critical mass of farmland and the right to engage in accepted agricultural practices is imperative to maintain a viable local farm economy. Good planning is necessary to minimize future conflicts that may arise between the farming and non-farming sector. Land use planning and zoning with regard to agriculture should be flexible. The flexibility to adapt based on the location and evolution of the farm business to meet the needs of today's society is essential to retain or allow for the expansion of existing farm and food industry businesses.

Many local residents are two to four generations removed from the farm. In some cases, when they move into more rural areas within the county, issues arise over noise, odors, dust, and slow moving farm vehicles. In other situations, long time residents become engaged in conflicts with their farm neighbors as the farm business changes to remain competitive in a global market or attempts to attract local customers through the production and marketing of a niche product. Direct marketing of farm products is expanding to include agri-tourism, agri-tainment and agri-education.

The Municipal Reference for Agricultural Land Use Planning is a tool for local leaders when confronted with agricultural issues. The document addresses agricultural practices which include:

• Scope of agriculture and agricultural activities
• New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (AML) Article 25AA - Agricultural Districts Law
• Land use planning including zoning, purchase or transfer of development rights
• Environmental regulations
• Herbicide and pesticide applications
• Issues of farm animals used as companion animals including housing, fencing and sanitation
• Farm markets, agri-tourism, agri-tainment, agri-education
• Seasonal Labor

The Municipal Reference for Agricultural Land Use Planning in Onondaga County is a joint effort between Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Onondaga County, Cornell University and the Onondaga County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.

The purpose of this document is to provide added insight to local governing boards, agencies and private consultants as they wrestle with existing and potential conflicts which may result from residential, commercial and industrial development around existing or new farm and food industry businesses.

For a copy of the entire reference manual, contact:

Roberta Harrison
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Onondaga County
220 Herald Place
Syracuse, New York 13202