Agriculture

Though the face of Agriculture in Madison County has changed over the years, it still represents a dominant role in both our economy and our landscape. The recent 2017 Ag Census and past 2012 Ag Census (PDF) and the 2007 Ag Census (PDF) highlight agricultural activities in Madison County. The Planning Department participates in a number of vital agricultural programs for Madison County. Information about some of these programs is highlighted below. Please contact us at any time for more information on any of these programs.

Madison County Bicentennial seal

Agricultural Districts

Article 25-AA (PDF) of the Agriculture and Markets Law authorizes the creation of local agricultural districts pursuant to landowner initiative, preliminary county review, state certification, and county adoption. View a short overview of the benefits of Agricultural Districts fact sheet (PDF). More information on the Agricultural District program can be found on the New York State Agriculture and Markets page. 

Agricultural Districts are recertified every 8 years by Madison County. The process involves many steps including: public hearings, landowner surveys, GIS mapping, Ag and Farmland Protection Board Review, and more. Madison County currently has 4 Ag. Districts. 

Each October, Madison County holds an open enrollment period, whereby landowners have the opportunity to submit an application for consideration to be included in an agricultural district. Download the form below to enroll. Be sure to include a separate description of the land and current or planned activities to take place on the land when you send in your survey. 

October is Open Enrollment Month: Click Here for a Fillable Application

Madison County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan

In 2020 Madison County completed and adopted its Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. This plan represents a complete update of the prior plan which was adopted in 2005.

Large red barn with bicentennial seal on the side