PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2008

Reid & Shannon Seek to Expand Farm Protection in Sorensco

Rensselaer County Legislators Martin Reid and Alex Shannon want to see county farmland protection efforts expand into southern Rensselaer County, after the county was designated for four farmland protection efforts last month.

The four farmland protection projects announced last December join an additional four farmland protection projects awarded to the county in recent years, protecting a total of 2,600 acres. However, only one project has been in southern Rensselaer County, in the Town of Stephentown.

Shannon and Reid said they want to get the word out to farmers and owners about the farmland protection program, which is voluntary and allows for the protection of farm property through the purchase of development rights. Funding for such purchases come through an application to the state.

“The county has been successful with farmland protection projects in northern and eastern Rensselaer County. We are interested in seeing if state funding can be attracted to protect farmland in the southern part of the county, and want to see if there is interest from farmers in that area,” said Legislator Alex Shannon, who serves as chair of the Legislature’s Environmental Committee.

“The Farmland Protection program helps farmers who want to continue farming stay in business and protect their land. There are real development pressures and overall business difficulties facing farmers in southern Rensselaer County and we would love to help in the effort to protect farms in the area,” added Legislator Martin Reid.

Shannon’s predecessor, the late Ed Swartz, worked closely with Legislator Ken Herrington to help implement an Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan that makes the county eligible to receive state and federal funding for farm protection projects.

The chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, Herrington said he believes there are numerous properties in southern Rensselaer County that could qualify for the program if owners of the farm properties are interested in participating.

“I believe there are definitely properties in southern Rensselaer County that would be eligible for state farmland protection funding. This is an effective and voluntary program that I would encourage all of my fellow farmers throughout the county to take a close look at,” said Herrington.

 Support Freedom - Support Our Troops

Back