New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00581

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

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 S00581 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 support to farmers by allowing more of their woodland to be recognized as land used in agricultural production, thereby potentially lowering their tax burden. The bill seeks to encourage the preservation and utilization of woodland areas that contribute to agricultural activities.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify the existing agricultural assessment criteria, allowing farmers to include a larger portion of their woodland in the assessment. This could lead to significant financial benefits for farmers who manage woodland as part of their agricultural operations. The change may also influence land use practices, encouraging more sustainable management of woodland resources in agricultural contexts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00581 appears to be generally positive, with support from agricultural stakeholders who see the benefits of increasing the acreage limit for woodland assessment. However, there may be concerns from environmental groups regarding the implications of expanding land designated for agricultural use, though specific opposition has not been documented in the available discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from differing views on land use and environmental conservation. While agricultural advocates support the increase in acreage for economic reasons, environmentalists may argue that expanding agricultural assessments could lead to over-exploitation of woodland areas. The balance between agricultural development and environmental protection remains a key area of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A04458

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 A04458

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 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 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 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.