Town of Seward Draft Agriculture and Farmland ... - Schoharie County

Executive Summary
Seward is a rural community located in Schoharie County. Farming and the scenic open space
agricultural land provides are what residents value most about their community. In order to
accommodate future development while ensuring that farming continues to be a viable
enterprise, the town has developed an agriculture and farmland protection plan. The goals of the
plan are to:
Goal I: Support Agriculture at the Town Level
Goal II: Foster Economic Opportunity for Agriculture
Goal III: Educate the Public About Agriculture
Goal IV: Protect Natural Resources and Open Space
What follows are the recommendations the plan makes to achieve the above goals.
Goal I: Support Agriculture at the Town Level
Recommendations
A. Land Use Planning
1. Form an Agricultural Advisory Committee
2. Represent Agricultural Interests on Appointed Boards
3. Provide Training in Agricultural Land Use Planning
4. Develop a Comprehensive Plan that Supports Agriculture
5. Educate Realtors and Home Builders About Benefits of Retaining Agricultural Land
6. Consider Conservation Subdivisions
7. Consider Cooperative Farm Subdivisions
B. Agricultural Districts
1. Ensure Agricultural District Law is Followed
2. Educate Town Officials, Staff and Assessors
C. Property Taxes
1. Ensure All Interested and Eligible Landowners Receive Agricultural Assessment
2. Consider Adopting Agricultural Assessment for Service Districts
3. Train Assessors on Assessing Agricultural Land and Structures
4. Ensure Accuracy of Property Type Classification Codes
5. Protect Farms From Negative Impacts of Commercial and Industrial Development
D. Working Lands
1. Make Roads Safe for Agricultural Equipment
2. Develop Farm Rental Network
3. Maintain Agricultural Data at the Town Level
E. Land in Transition
1. Market Town to Farmers
2. Provide Assistance to Farmers in Transition to Keep Land in Agriculture
3. Encourage Beginning Farmers
Town of Seward Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan 1