Preserving Our Heritage: Tools to Cultivate Agricultural Preservation in New York State

Agriculture plays a significant role in both the economy and fabric of our communities. Land use policies have the ability to enhance or degrade the vitality of this critically important industry. This article examines how New York State regulates agricultural uses through a mix of local, county and state authority. In addition, the authors look at alternative models from other states (Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, Massachusetts) to offer suggestions for reform. This article was cited by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in Zuckerman v. Town of Hadley, 442 Mass. 511, 813 N.E.2d 843 (2004).