The Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board’s mission is to enhance economic viability of the agricultural industry and preserve and protect the viable farmland in Chautauqua County.

The socio-economic vitality of agriculture in this county is essential to the economic stability and growth of many local communities and the county as a whole. Additionally the board:

• Encourage farming in Chautauqua County through local initiatives which create favorable conditions and allow farmers to operate economically viable enterprises;
• Advise the Chautauqua County Legislature on establishing, modifying, continuing, or terminating agricultural districts;
• Review Notice of Intent filings pursuant to Agriculture and Markets Law 25AA Sections 305.4 and 305-a;
• Support, implement, and update the goals of the Chautauqua County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan; and
• Advise and recommend concerning Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (Purchase of Development Rights) applications to funding agencies.

Although agricultural activity has declined in the county, it remains a major economic driver, benefits our environment in many ways, and aids in landscape preservation. Once lost to development, agricultural lands are gone forever.

It’s the county’s policy to conserve, protect and encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products. Agricultural lands are valuable natural and ecological resources, which provide needed open spaces, as well as buffers for water quality and habitat for wildlife.