New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04458

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Increases from 50 to 100 acres, the acreage of farm woodland that qualifies as land used in agricultural production for agricultural assessment purposes.

Summary

Bill A04458 proposes to amend the agriculture and markets law in New York by increasing the maximum acreage of farm woodland that qualifies for agricultural assessment from 50 acres to 100 acres. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for farmers and landowners in utilizing woodland areas as part of their agricultural production, thereby potentially enhancing the economic viability of farming operations in the state.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify the existing agricultural assessment criteria, allowing more land to be classified as farm woodland. This could lead to increased tax benefits for farmers who own larger tracts of woodland, thereby encouraging sustainable land management practices and possibly increasing the overall agricultural output in New York State.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A04458 appears to be generally positive, with support from agricultural stakeholders who believe that the increase in qualifying acreage will benefit farmers. However, there may be concerns from environmental groups regarding the potential implications of expanding agricultural land use.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from environmental advocates who worry that increasing the acreage eligible for agricultural assessment could lead to over-exploitation of woodland areas. Conversely, proponents of the bill, primarily from the agricultural sector, argue that this change is necessary to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.

Companion Bills

NY S00581

Same As Increases from 50 to 100 acres, the acreage of farm woodland that qualifies as land used in agricultural production for agricultural assessment purposes.

Previously Filed As

NY A02978

Increases from 50 to 100 acres, the acreage of farm woodland that qualifies as land used in agricultural production for agricultural assessment purposes.

NY S00581

Increases from 50 to 100 acres, the acreage of farm woodland that qualifies as land used in agricultural production for agricultural assessment purposes.

NY A1238

Authorizes farmland assessment for forested lands and woodlands devoted to the production of USDA designated specialty crops; exempts such lands from woodland management plan requirement.

NY A169

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.

NY S1702

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.

NY S00593

Includes certain land that is owned or rented as a farm operation for the production for sale of crops, livestock or livestock products as land used in agricultural production.

NY HB323

Farm & Agricultural Land Assessments

NY A09105

Includes certain land that is owned or rented as a farm operation for the production for sale of crops, livestock or livestock products as land used in agricultural production.

NY S07941

Includes urban farming within farm operations for purposes of agricultural districts.

NY S01154

Lowers the qualification amounts of acreage and annual sales for the purposes of agricultural assessments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.