HomeMy WebLinkAbout03_YB_Appx 03-F_Lansing Agriculture and Farmland Protection PlanAGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
TOWN OF LANSING, NEW YORK
AUGUST 2015
FOREWORD
Town of Lansing Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan
August 2015
This plan is being forwarded to the Town of Lansing Planning Board, Town Board and
the Lansing community at large for the following purpose:
• To inform Town Government and the community about the scope of agriculture
in the town including both land use and economic impact.
• To suggest zoning changes to provide a clearer definition of agriculture consistent
with state Agriculture & Markets Law.
• To suggest a change from RA to AG agriculture zoning in areas where agriculture
is the dominant land use.
NOTE: Any zoning changes would have to be approved by the Town Board, upon
a recommendation from the Town Planning Board, before they are enacted.
• To strongly encourage formation of an Agriculture Advisory Committee that
would advise town government on matters of importance to agriculture.
The plan is not law; it is a guidance document that will inform the Town Agriculture
Advisory Committee's annual work plan. Recommendations in the plan will be reviewed
and prioritized by the committee. Some recommendations may involve Town
government action, but many are focused on identifying resources that help support the
continuation of farming in the Town of Lansing.
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Skip Hardie, Chair
David Buck
Matthew Dedrick
Dan Konowalow
Larry Moore
Kay Moore
Lin Davidson
Larry Sharpsteen
Monika Roth, Agriculture Program Leader
Debbie Teeter, Agriculture Community Educator
Scott Doyle, Senior Planner
Sharon Heller, GIS Analyst
George R. Frantz, AICP, ASLA
The Agriculture Plan committee would like to acknowledge the following individuals who have been
active in supporting the plan development process: former and current town staff: Darby Kiley,
Charmagne Rumgay, Jeff Overstrom, Sharon Bowman, Sue Munson, and current town planner Michael
Long; former and current town board members: Connie Wilcox, Andra Benson, Katrina Binkowicz,
Ruth Hopkins; and former planning committee member Larry Zuidema; former and current Town
Supervisors: Scott Pinney and Kathy Miller. Additional credit goes to Tompkins County Planning,
County Assessment and the Tompkins County Soil and Water District for data that is contained in the
document.
Most importantly, the committee appreciates the input of farmers and community members who
attended public meetings and provided input on plan strategies.
TOWN OF LANSING
AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan Committee
Town of Lansing Planning Board Representatives
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
Tompkins County Planning Department
Consultant
Special Thanks
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
In 2008, the Town was awarded a grant from NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets to develop a municipal
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. New York State has a constitutional priority to protect agricultural
lands and therefore, has enacted the NYS Agriculture District Law and provides funding to municipalities to
develop agriculture plans and for purchase of development rights. A committee was formed in 2009 to make
recommendations for farmland protection and for strengthening agriculture. Recommendations contained in the
plan reflect input from the agriculture committee, other town farmers and rural landowners, town officials, and the
community at large at meetings during the past 6 years. The plan provides details on development and other
pressures on farming, existing land use policies, farming resources and enterprises, along with recommendations
to ensure a viable future for farming in the Town of Lansing.
Agriculture has a significa
farming is a unique resource in the northern part of the town that is protected for farming through policies that
direct development away from prime soils. Supportive town policies and broad community support for agriculture
create a climate where farming remains feasible and viable. A diversity of full and part-time farms will produce
dairy, livestock, feed crops, local foods, horticultural crops, renewable energy resources, and other agricultural
provide a variety of jobs and thereby strengthen the local economy. Farming practices protect soil, environmental
quality, natural resources, and provide scenic working landscapes that preserve the rural character and enhance
the quality of life of the town.
Farming is alive and well in the Town of Lansing. Lansing enjoys a long history of continuous farming and can
boast having the highest quality soils in the county that support 40 farm businesses, their owners, families and
employees that generate a total of $20 million in agricultural product sales, nearly one third of total agriculture
sales for the entire county. Farmers utilize 16,261 acres of land or about one-
total land in farming, 8,834 acres are owned by 40 farmers and 7,427 farmed acres are rented from about 80 rural
landowners. According to the Tompkins County Land Use Land Cover survey (2012), 1,017 acres of inactive
agriculture land in the town has come back into production (some for organic farming) in the last 5 years. The
increase in farmed land demonstrates the demand for farmland and the viability of farming in the area.
Of the land in farming, 43% is designated prime soil and another 22% as soils of statewide significance, making
Lansing the town with the best soils for farming in the county. Good soils for farming result in higher yields,
better returns and more viable farms.
Dairy farming is the dominant agricultural enterprise (11 farms) accounting for about $17 million in agricultural
products from milk, cattle, and crops. Dairy farming creates most of the farm jobs. Most field crops raised on
town farmland are destined to be consumed by dairy cows, but several crop farmers also sell crops on the
commodity market. Organic farming occupies 2,900 acres of the total 16,261 acres (18%) and includes 3 organic
dairy farms plus several field crop and vegetable farms.
Purpose
TOWN OF LANSING
AGRICULTURE & FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
August 2015
Vision for the Future of Agriculture in the Town of Lansing
nt impact on the Town's economy and land use . High quality soils and land suitable to
products that are marketed locally and through conventional agricultural market channels. The town's farms
Farming Profile
third of the town's land area. Of the
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The next most prominent agricultural enterprise beyond dairy and field crops is greenhouse/nursery sales and
service. These businesses benefit from the proximity of residential development in the southern part of the town.
Horticulture businesses also provide many seasonal jobs. Direct sales of fruits, vegetables, meat animals, poultry,
and agritourism are areas for potential growth provided there is local consumer support. There is a total of 40
farming businesses in the town that employ approximately 100 people.
Town population, with growth centered in the Village of Lansing, has continued to increase at a
significantly higher rate than other towns in the county. During the past 20 years, housing
development outside the village grew at a rate three times faster than within the village. This has
impacted farming in many ways traffic, rising land prices and taxes, rural neighbors unfamiliar
with farming activities, trespass issues, making it harder for farmers to find land to rent or buy, etc.
Rural sprawl poses additional problems for development and delivery of services to residents
demanding water, sewer, better roads, lighting, etc. A Cost of Community Services study (1996,
Tompkins County Agriculture Plan) showed that agriculture in the town demands 16 cents in
services for every dollar paid in taxes, compared to $1.56 in services demanded by residential
development for every dollar paid. Rural sprawl can cost towns much more than keeping land in
active agriculture.
Farmers rent nearly half of the land they operate and depend on rented land for the viability of
their farming enterprises. There is uncertainty about the future of rented land given development
pressure, rising taxes, and competition among farmers for good farmland. In recent years farmers
have been buying additional land but land prices have climbed to a level that is not affordable for
smaller farmers. In some cases town farmers have been out bid by farm operations from Cayuga
County who now own 3000 acres of Lansing farmland. This has put smaller farmers in a more
vulnerable position relative to their future.
Development rights have been sold on two town farms comprised of 1,446 acres of land (almost
10% of the actively farmed land in the town). Farmer sentiment and understanding of farmland
protection programs has shifted from property rights protection to acceptance of ideas that direct
development away from actively farmed land.
Create a Town Agriculture Committee with responsibility for advising the Town Board on matters
pertaining to agriculture and to steer the implementation of the Agriculture Plan strategies.
Change most of the current Rural Agriculture (RA) zoning district to an Agriculture Zone (AG)
and permit uses most compatible with farming.
Review the definition of agriculture in the zoning code and develop a uniform definition consistent
with the diversity of farming enterprises in the town and with NYS Agriculture District Law.
Encourage in-fill development in South Lansing to reduce rural sprawl and the associated costs of
infrastructure development.
Explore options for keeping critical high quality farm parcels that come up for sale available for
farming.
Identify key farm properties to target for NYS Farmland Protection (PDR) funding to preserve
prime farmland; work with County Planning in developing applications for PDR funding.
Seek funding and other opportunities to expand and strengthen the economic impact agriculture
has on
Key Findings:
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Priority Recommendations:
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the town's economy.
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Foreword/Acknowledgements -3
Summary of Findings and Recommendations -5
I. Introduction.....................................................................................8-10
Backgroun
Purpose
Plan Development Process
II. Town of Lansing Profile................................................................11-17
Overview................................................................................11
Population..............................................................................11
Housing..................................................................................11
Infrastructure..........................................................................13
Land Resource Base/Soils.....................................................14
Watersheds/Waterbodies.......................................................16
Natural & Scenic Areas...........................................................17
III. Town of Lansing Agricultural Profile..........................................18-29
Overview.......
Land in farms..........................................................................18
Farming enterprises................................................................20
Farm operations/employment..................................................20
Economic value of farming......................................................21
Future plans reported by farmers............................................22
Key concerns voiced by farmers.............................................23
Agricultural trends and outlook................................................25
.28
IV. Town of Lansing Land u 30-37
A. Existing Town Land Use Policies
lan......30
2012 Comprehensive Plan Review Process........................................30
Town Center Proposal..........................................................................30
Town of Lansing Right to Farm Law.....................................................31
................................................ 2
.......................... 4
d .............................................................. 8
................................................................... 8
Definition .................................................................. 9
.......................................... 9
............................................................ 18
Landowner survey results ............................................ .
se policies, plans and programs ..... .
Agriculture as reflected in the Town's 2006 Comprehensive P
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
B. Tompkins County & NYS Land Use Programs, Policies, and Plans....
Protected Farms Lansing.................................................................31
Protected Farms in Tompkins County ...............................................32
NYS Agriculture & Markets Law 25AA Agricultural Districts...........32
Tompkins County 2004 Comprehensive Plan....................................35
Tompkins County Agriculture Resources Focus Area Plan ..............35
V. Town of Lansing Zoning Ordinance Review and Recommendations 38-45
Conformance with NYS Agriculture & Markets Law 25AA...................38
Recommendations for Zoning Changes to Protect Farmland...............39
Recommendation #1 Review/Revise definitions....................39
Recommendation #2 - Create a new AG Zoning District ...41
VI. Agriculture & Farmland Protection Recommendations................46-55
Vision Statement.....................................................................................46
Plan Components....................................................................................46
I. Location of areas/land recommended for protection for agricultural use
II. Value of land to be protected
III. Consequences of Farmland Conversion
IV. Level of Development Pressure
V. Development Impacts
A. Town Agriculture Committee
B. Encourage farmers to be active on town board/committees
C. Priority actions
D. Goals and Strategies to preserve farming and promote agriculture
Implementation Chart .52
APPENDIX
Appendix I Maps
Appendix II Supporting information
Appendix III Meeting Notes
Implementation recommendations ................................................. 50
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 25 AAA, encourages development of county and
town agriculture and farmland protection plans. According to State law, agriculture and farmland
and improvement of lands which are
In 2006, the State made grant funding available for municipal Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan
development. The Town of Lansing submitted an application and was awarded a municipal Agriculture
and Farmland Protection Plan Development Grant in 2008.
The State requires the following information be included in the plan:
Location of areas or land to be protected
An assessment of the economic and open space value of the agricultural lands to be protected,
the consequences of conversion, and the level of development pressure on these lands
A description of programs and strategies to be used by the municipality to promote continued
agricultural use
Plan development is carried out at the local level with participation from town officials, farmers,
Cooperative Extension, County Planning, the Soil & Water District, and consultants as needed. Plan
approval requires at least one public hearing, town board approval, and County Agriculture and
Farmland Protection Board approval with final approval by NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets.
The Town of Lansing updated its Town Comprehensive Plan and adopted the revised plan in November
2006 with the goal of updating zoning and land use regulations to match the goals of the comprehensive
plan. It was the intention of the town (as stated in the Agriculture & Markets grant application) to utilize
state funding to develop a municipal Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, to review zoning
regulations and their benefit to farmland protection, and to support farmers interested in participating in
s-PDR).
of agriculture, it does not lay out specific strategies for preserving valuable farmland and promoting the
continuation of agriculture. Additionally, local laws and ordinances should be reviewed relative to their
contribution or hindrance to the goal of protecting agriculture and farmland.
The completion of the Town of Lansing Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan is timely given that
the town is updating its Comprehensive Plan. Taking steps to identify important farmland and
agriculture resources will allow the Town of Lansing to accommodate future growth without threatening
the valuable land and soil resources and economic activity that make agriculture significant to the town
and the county as a whole.
TOWN OF LANSING
AGRICULTURE & FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
I. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
protection means "the preservation, conservation, management,
part of viable farms, for the purpose of encouraging such lands to remain in agriculture production."
•
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PURPOSE
the State's Farmland Protection Program (purchase of development right
While the Town's Comprehensive Plan expresses strong support for and recognition of the importance
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
For the purpose of this report, agriculture is defined as the use of land, buildings, structures, equipment,
manure processing and handling facilities, and farming practices which contribute to the production,
preparation and marketing of crops, livestock and livestock products as a commercial enterprise or a
hobby, and including commercial horse boarding operations as defined in the Agriculture and Markets
Law Article (AML) 25-AA, Section 301. Agriculture is becoming increasingly diverse and the intent of
this definition is to cover the variety of current and emerging farm enterprises; this includes but is not
limited to orchards and vineyards, vegetable crops, hops, greenhouse/nursery production of horticultural
and floriculture crops, greenhouse vegetable production, harvested agronomic crops (corn, soybeans,
small grains), hay and pasture, livestock and poultry raised for food and fiber, and animals raised for
recreation or sale (e.g. horses, alpaca/llama), beekeeping, aquaculture (fish production), silviculture
(timber, firewood), agroforestry (forest farming) including maple, energy production including energy
from manure or biomass crops. Agriculture and farming, and agricultural operations and farms, are
considered to be interchangeable terms in this report. Agri-business or farm support services with
equipment sales and repair, seed and feed, fertilizer and compost, custom services, storage, marketing
and processing facilities, etc. all contribute to the viability of farming and provide non-farm jobs.
Agritourism including activities such as pick your own crops, corn mazes, wineries, breweries,
distilleries, farm bed & breakfasts, farm markets and roadside s
farm weddings, etc. are all considered dimensions of farming that contribute to the viability of farming
enterprises.
Activity related to this grant was initiated in January 2008 by then Town Environmental Planner, Darby
Kiley. Shortly thereafter, when Ms. Kiley resigned from, former Town Planning Board member Larry
Zuidema reviewed the grant application and outlined a process for proceeding with plan development to
the town supervisor in June 2008. Early in 2009, Connie Wilcox, then Town Board member and
Assistant Supervisor, activated a farmer steering committee. An agreement to provide plan development
support services was executed between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the
Town of Lansing in June 2009. The agreement with Cooperative Extension included Cooperative
Extension staff to support committee work and the plan development process, conduct a farmer and
landowner survey, develop a profile of farming activities in the town, facilitate the development of a
vision for the plan and recommendations, and lead the process of writing the final plan.
In July 2011, the Town hired George Frantz, Planner, as a consultant to review current land use policies
for their consistency with NYS Agriculture and Markets Law 2-AA, section 305, and to suggest
additional policies that would further the goal of farmland protection in the town. Information was
summarized and presented to the Town Planning Board and Agriculture Plan Development committee in
Fall 2011. During 2012, Cooperative Extension staff and George Frantz reviewed input and presented a
preliminary draft plan to the town agriculture committee on Feb. 21, 2013. Further revisions have been
made at committee meetings since 2013. Three public information meetings were held to gain broader
farmer and landowner input on April 5, 2010, March 26, 2013, and January 8, 2014.
AGRICULTURE • DEFINITION
tands, farmers' markets, farm festivals,
PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Background
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Farmer and town representatives were invited to an inaugural meeting on May 11, 2009 to learn about
the grant requirements and goals, and were asked to give input on issues of concern pertaining to land
use and local laws.
Farmers, town representatives and consultants served on a steering committee that met on the following
dates (public information/input meeting dates in bold):
06-15-09 Further input on planning needs
08-24-09 Maps review, farm profiles
10-05-09 Work plan draft, farmer survey, vision, strategies
01-10-10 Planning meeting with town representatives
03-08-10 Vision statement and goals
03-22-10 More work on vision, goals and strategies
04-05-10 Public information meeting to review vision and strategies
06-30-10 CCE agreement executed
07-26-10 Joint meeting with planning board
12-13-10 Reviewed remaining steps for plan completion with town officials
07- 2011 Hired planning consultant George Frantz for zoning review and recommendations
07-20-11 Possible zoning changes
08-03-11 Review maps and zoning recommendations
02-07-12 CCETC staff & consultant Frantz present preliminary draft to Town Ag Plan committee & Planning Board
03-13-12 Follow up meeting with a more complete draft, edits suggested
Oct Dec 12 CCETC staff devoted time to editing
02-21-13 Ag Plan development committee & Planning Board members reviewed latest plan draft
03-07-13 Further plan review
03-27-13 Farmer and public meeting to present and review plan recommendations
04-02-13 Meeting to discuss input from farm community
04- 25-13 Discussed ag zoning & trends
05-29-13 May 29, 2013 discussed zoning & reviewed maps
06-26-13 Reviewed implementation strategies
10-09-13 Presentation to the Comprehensive Plan Committee
11-25-13 Presentation to the Town Planning Board
01-08-14 Public meeting for farmers and rural landowners
03-09-15 Presentation to Planning Board
06-01-15 Presentation/discussion with Planning Board and Comp Plan Committee
06-11-15 Farmer meeting for final approval
06-22-15 Joint meeting of Planning Board & Town Board to approve moving plan forward for public hearing
Meeting notes can be found in the Appendix - electronic copy only on file with the town.
Comments/revisions
Plan approval by the Town Agriculture committee
Plan review by the Town Planning Board and Town Board for review/input
Public Hearing first hearing held on July 15, 2015; second hearing Sept. 16, 2015
Approval by Town Board
Approval by Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board
Final approval by NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
Meetings Held and Key Milestones
Final steps for plan adoption
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The Town of Lansing is comprised of three distinct areas that have been evolving for the past 50 years.
To the north, agriculture is the active and predominant land use with field crop and dairy production that
continues north into Cayuga County. The town has approximately 13 miles of lake frontage where
housing developments are increasing to enjoy the attractive lake views. In the southern part of the town,
the Village of Lansing is dominated by shopping, businesses, apartment complexes, and single family
homes. Development has been occurring most rapidly in the village given its proximity to the City of
Ithaca and major employers including Cornell University, the Regional Airport, the Cornell Research
and Technology Park, mail services, the County Jail, medical offices, and schools. Beyond the highly
developed areas of the village, there has been strong interest among town officials and the community to
s the Town Hall, Town
Park and Recreation facilities, the library, a grocery store, gas station, restaurant and a few other small
retail businesses. Increasing residential and commercial density to grow the Town Center will impact
active agriculture to the north unless steps are taken to concentrate development and protect agriculture.
3,529
residents 234%.
During the same 50 year period, the county population grew by only 122%. In the 10 year period from
largest increase of any town in the county and more than the City of Ithaca. County population during
the same period only grew by 2.55%. From 2000 to 2010, population in the town grew at slightly less
than half the rate of the previous 10 year period (4.87%), while the rate of population growth for the
county overall was 5.25%.
In 2010 there were 5,130 dwelling units in the town with 1,788 (approx. 35%) of those being in the
Village of Lansing. Over the 20 year period from 1990 to 2010, dwelling units increased by nearly 1000
for a 24% increase overall. The increase in housing for that period was largely outside of the Village of
Lansing, with a 33.9% increase compared to only a 9% increase in housing the village. This could be
attributed to existing density in the village, along with demand for single family homes, including lake
view developments. The expansion of housing outside the village has implications for agriculture. A
closer look at both census data and town building permit data reveals that the growth in population
occurred primarily in the Village of Lansing and areas of the town south of Rte34/34B. This is readily
apparent in Map 1 (page 13) which depicts building permits issued for new homes between 2001 and
2010. Almost 80% of new homes built in the town during that timeframe appear to have been built
south of Rte34/34B.
II. TOWN OF LANSING PROFILE
OVERVIEW
develop a "Town Center" where Rt. 34 and 34B join. The area currently include
POPULATION
According to the most recent 2010 US Census, the town's population is 11,033 people with
living in the Village of Lansing. From 1940 to 1990, the town's population increased by
1990 to 2000 the town's population increased from 9,296 to 10,521 for a 13.18% increase. This was the
HOUSING
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Table 1. Growth in Town and Village of Lansing, 1990 - 2010
Population Housing
Municipality 1990 2000 2010
Change
1990-
2010
1990 2000 2010
Change
1990-
2010
Lansing Town 9,296 10,521 11,033 1,737 4,135 4,634 5,130 995
Lansing Village 3,281 3,417 3,529 248 1,639 1,705 1,788 149
Net Outside
Village 6,015 7,104 7,504 1,489 2,496 2,929 3,342 846
Tompkins
County 94,097 96,501 101,564 7,467 35,338 38,625 41,674 6,336
Table 2. Number of Homes and Median
Home Values by Year Built, Town of Lansing
Year Built Number
of Homes
Built
Median Value
by Year
Structure Built
2005 or later 109 $361,000
2000 to 2004 281 $185,700
1990 to 1999 788 $264,600
1980 to 1989 949 $198,900
1970 to 1979 1,161 $175,800
1960 to 1969 730 $133,300
1950 to 1959 487 $184,100
1940 to 1949 54
1939 or earlier 610 $195,800
Data Source: City melt.com
Data Source : US Census
Map 1 -NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
2001 -2010
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Lansing is served by three state highways - Routes 13, 34 and 34-B, and several county
feeder routes run through the town, including Triphammer Road and Warren Road. The Tompkins
County Airport is located on Warren Road, and many businesses are clustered nearby in the Cornell
Business and Technology Park.
The Town of Lansing water supply comes from Cayuga Lake through the Southern Cayuga
Lake Inter-municipal Water Commission, Bolton Point, a joint entity made up of five municipalities:
the Towns of Dryden, Ithaca, and Lansing, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing. The
Bolton Point water supply facility, located at 1402 East Shore Drive has the capacity to process 9
million gallons of water a day (MGD). Recent daily production averaged 2.476 million gallons a day.
Water service is concentrated in the southern part of the town and there is a line along Ridge Road
(34B) to serve the power plant on Milliken Station Road. There is also water service in North Lansing
in the northeastern corner of the town. The water line running from Myers Point to Milliken Station is
in a state certified agriculture district with restrictions on water hook ups to existing dwellings.
The Town of Lansing has been considering sewer development in the Town Center area for
many years and while some demand exists, finding an equitable means to pay for sewer development
has proven to be a stumbling block given the lack of density to support the cost of installation.
Roads:
Water:
Sewer:
-Water Mains
Cayuga Lake
Map 2 -Water
Town of Lansing
INFRASTRUCTURE
13
Sewer Mains
-Existing
Proposed
Cayuga Lake
Map 3-Sewer
Town of Lansing
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The geology of the Finger Lakes is shaped by abundant Devonian rocks and by recent glacial history.
Together, the Devonian rocks that accumulated in a warm shallow sea more than 360 million years ago,
and the action of massive ice sheets shaping the rocks during the last 2 million years have produced the
arresting landscape of lakes, hills, gorges and waterfalls.
The latest glacial episode was most extensive around 21,000 years ago, when glaciers covered almost
the entire state. Around 19,000 years ago, the climate warmed, and the glacier began to retreat,
disappearing entirely from New York for the last time around 11,000 years ago.
The most obvious evidence left by the glaciers are the gravel deposits at the south ends of the Finger
Lakes called moraines and streamlined elongated hills of glacial sediment called drumlins. Moraines are
most visible south of Ithaca. Drumlins are visible at the northern end of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes.
Bedrock that predominates in the region is limestone, shalestone and siltstone and is found at elevations
between 400 to 1000 feet. The Ithaca Formation is the dominant formation both in the county and the
Town of Lansing. The topography of the northern part of the county in Lansing is medium elevation
with flat areas that are ideally suited to farming. The gorges and creeks carved by glaciers have never
been actively farmed; however, logging may have occurred in some areas.
Tompkins County soil associations and soil types were mapped by the USDA Soil Conservation Service
in 1965. Soil associations are mapped on a scale of 1 inch per 2 miles (1:126,720) and broadly represent
the parent source of soil origin. A soil map is more detailed classifying soils by type at a scale of
1:20,000 and provides much more specific information about soil capabilities and limitations generally
within a two acre area.
Cazenovia-Ovid; Honeoye-Lima; Lansing-Conesus; and Kendaia-Lyons.
The first three are dominantly deep, well to moderately drained, medium to moderately fine textured,
nearly level to sloping soils. The fourth association, Kendaia-Lyons, is composed of somewhat poorly to
poorly drained soils, subject to prolonged wetness and is rated as having medium to low potential for
general farming.
It is significant to note that based on soil association data, approximately 80% of the soil in the northern
part of the Town of Lansing is rated as having high to medium potential for farming. The continuation
of farming in this area can be attributed to high quality soil resources. A study conducted in 1974 by
R.E. Linton and H. E. Conklin, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, for the Tompkins County
Planning Department rated farming areas for their potential for the continuation of farming taking into
account soils and economic factors. In reference to Lansing farming areas, the study stated that
LAND RESOURCE BASE
Geology/Bedrock and Topography
Soils
The four predominant soil associations in the northern part of the Town of Lansing
include:
"Efficient and productive farming will continue in this area, if not disturbed by urban influence. "
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
In creating the Agricultural District (originally #4) in the northern part of Lansing, then District
Conservationist Jim Calhoun with the USDA Soil Conservation Service, stated that
the basic resource, coupled with an active and ongoing conservation program, good farm managers,
and a town government that is agriculturally oriented such as the case in Lansing, makes a good
[1974 Soils information provided by Jim
Calhoun for formation of Agricultural District #4 in northern Lansing].
Lansing farmland located west of Triphammer Road to Rt. 34 and south of the 34/34B intersection was
added to a new Agricultural District #7 created in 1979. Soil associations in this area include: Conesus-
Lansing (25% of area), Hudson-Rhinebeck (55%), and Hudson-Cayuga (20%). The best of these
associations is Conesus-Lansing being predominantly well drained medium textured fertile soils that are
easy to work with good water holding capacity and responsive to fertilization. Hudson-Rhinebeck is less
well drained and may be more difficult to work. Hudson-Cayuga soils are found on steeper slopes with
higher erodability.
It is also important to note that the Town of Lansing and the eastern part of Groton has the highest
percent of prime soils (43%) and soils of statewide significance (22%) compared to all other farming
areas of the county. Prime soils in Lansing occupy nearly twice the area of any other town except
Ulysses which has 35% prime soils.
Active farming continues in Lansing
today because high quality soils are a
critical asset for viable farming. Farm
viability is driven by productivity; high
quality soils produce greater yields
resulting in higher returns per acre.
This drives home the importance of
protecting high quality soils for future
farming and food production.
Active farming continues in Lansing
today because high quality soils are a
critical asset for viable farming. Farm
viability is driven by productivity; high
quality soils produce greater yields
resulting in higher returns per acre.
This drives home the importance of
protecting high quality soils for future
farming and food production.
combination for an active, viable, expanding agriculture."
Map 4-Soils
Town of Lansing
New York Important Solis
-All Areas Prime Farmland
-Farmland of Statewkle Importance
P rime Farmland if Drained
Cayuga Lake
Munici pa l Boundaries
Source To mpkins Cou nty Soil Survey 1965
15
"Good soil to form
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
border includes about 13 miles of lake shore. The land near the shore slopes steeply to the lake and
therefore is not actively farmed. However, because farming is actively practiced on hilltops and on
moderate slopes east of the lake, runoff may find its way into creeks draining to the lake.
This is the main creek that originates in Cayuga County and drains into Cayuga Lake
at Myers Point. Salmon Creek bisects agricultural areas with mostly steep slopes and forested
hillsides bordering the creek. There are relatively few flat areas near the creek that are farmed. Soil
and nutrient erosion from farm fields can and does on occasion enter the creek and subsequently the
lake. Farmers must remain vigilant in their farming practices to prevent source and non-source point
pollution. This is done by following best management practices and through the installation of
infrastructure to minimize and capture potential runoff. Salmon Creek is home to a 33 acre bird
sanctuary managed by the Finger Lakes Land Trust, and the creek is a significant recreational
resource for fishing with public fishing areas maintained by NYS DEC. Salmon Creek is identified
in the Tompkins County Conservation Strategy Natural Features Focus Area worthy of protection
(2007).
Agricultural best management practices are recommended in the Cayuga Lake Watershed Management
and Restoration Plan to reduce soil erosion as well as source and non-point source pollution from farms
and other facilities. Farmers in the town are active participants in the NYS Agricultural Environmental
Management (AEM) program that provides farm site and enterprise specific recommendations for
practices that mitigate water pollution and environmental degradation. A total of 6,224 acres of town
farmland are enrolled in AEM representing 8 farm operations.
Practices and infrastructure on Lansing farms that reduce or
mitigate source and non-point source pollution include:
6 manure storage systems
6 milk house waste systems
4 silage leachate treatment systems
4 barnyard water runoff control systems
3 grazing rotational plans
2 fuel spill prevention systems
1 alternative watering source system
1 buffer system for nearby water courses.
Source: Tompkins County Soil & Water District
WATERSHEDS/WATERBODIES
There are two dominant watersheds in the Town of Lansing:
Cayuga Lake Watershed: As the principal water body, about 80% of the county's land area
ultimately drains into Cayuga Lake and north to Lake Ontario . The Town of Lansing's western
Salmon Creek:
Protecting Water Quality
16
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
within Tompkins County with
outstanding environmental quality, deserving
special attention for protection. In the Town of
that encompass a total of 2,732.8 acres and
(2000). Many of these are associated with
farmlands in the town and are therefore
protected by farm ownership.
Tompkins County is renowned for amazing
natural areas and beautiful rural landscapes.
Active and viable farms play a critical role in
keeping land open and in providing scenic
views. Open space in the northern part of the
Town of Lansing is dominated by an active
agrarian landscape that is unique when
compared to other areas of the county.
Farmers own or rent 16,261 acres of land in the town. Both cultivated fields and inactive farmland
contribute to scenic views and open space/biodiversity by providing vegetative cover and wildlife
habitat.
The Tompkins County Scenic Resources Inventory (2007) identified noteworthy Lansing viewsheds
along Route 34B from Myers Park north. This area is still dominated by agricultural fields to the east of
34B with relatively little road front development. The viewshed in this area will only be maintained if
agriculture remains active and development is compatible with maintaining the open agrarian landscape.
Because there is a restriction in the Agriculture District on new water hook ups to the water line along
Route 34B from Myers Point to Milliken Station, road frontage development is being slowed down and
this will help preserve scenic views.
NATURAL AND SCENIC AREAS
Unique Natural Areas (UNA's)
UNA's are sites
Lansing a total of 31 UNA's were identified
represent 6.1 % of the UNA's in the county
Open Space/Scenic Views
Town of Lansing
r J Unlquo Noturol Aroos
Cayuga Lake
c::J Municipal Boundorlos
Map 5 -Unique Natural Areas
17
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
To effectively protect and promote agriculture in the Town of Lansing, it is necessary to understand the
nature of farming in the Town. To gain a better understanding of Lansing agriculture, a survey was
distributed to 34 farm operators receiving agricultural assessment in 2012, 18 of which were returned
(53% return rate). The survey included questions about farm operations (acres, crops, livestock,
employees, etc.) as well as, future plans. For the remaining 16 farms, that did not return the survey,
Cooperative Extension staff referenced Agriculture District review survey data (2011), and made
personal phone calls to verify farming information. Therefore, in developing the town agriculture
profile, all farming operations known at that time were included; additionally all farming operations
were invited to public information meetings to provide further input.
A survey was also sent to 80 landowners renting land to farmers and receiving agricultural assessment.
38 of these surveys were returned (46% return rate). Unlike the farmers, Cooperative Extension staff did
not follow up with landowners who did not respond, however, all landowners receiving agriculture
assessment were invited to attend the 3 public information meetings held. In this survey landowners
were asked about future plans for their land which has significant impact on land available for farming
given the amount of rented land that is farmed.
There are 8,834 owned and 7,427 rented acres in the town receiving agricultural property tax
assessment, for a total of 16,261 acres involved in agriculture Tompkins
County Assessment Department data (2012) provides fairly accurate information about land that is
farmed because both farmers and landowners value the benefit of agricultural assessment of property
they own or rent to farmers. There may be some additional land that is farmed and does not receive
agricultural assessment which is not captured in the numbers though the amount is insignificant because
during the Agriculture District Review process, Cooperative Extension identifies and contacts farms
outside the district to recommend inclusion.
As noted above, 16,261 acres of land are associated with farming in the town. Forty-five percent of the
farmland is rented (7,427 acres) by farmers, the balance is owned (8,834 acres). 2,900 (18%) of the
16,261 acres owned or rented by farmers are under certified organic production. Compared to 2001
Agriculture Assessment data, there were 7,841 acres owned and 5,016 acres rented by farmers for a total
of 12,857 acres farmed. In the past 10 years, there has been a 993 acre increase in land that is owned by
farmers and 2,411 acre increase in land rented by farmers. In 1996, farmers owned 8,928 acres of land
and rented 3,145 acres.
The increase in land owned and rented by farmers can be attributed to: 1) expanding dairy and crop
operations; 2) inactive land that is easily certified for organic production; 3) large dairy and crop farmers
in Cayuga County are renting and buying land in the town; and 4) government regulations that require
Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) to spread manure over a larger area to avoid nitrogen and
phosphorous contamination of water supplies.
Ill. TOWN OF LANSING AGRICULTURE PROFILE
LAND IN FARMS
-36% of the town's land base.
18
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Demand for land in Lansing from Cayuga County farmers has been primarily driven by large dairy
operations that must comply with CAFO regulations; however, there are also several crop farmers and a
wholesale sweet corn producer that own and rent land in Lansing. In fact, the largest dairy operation in
Lansing is not head-quartered in Lansing. This farm, based in Genoa, rents 500 acres and owns over
2000 acres in Lansing. At the same time, six Lansing farms own or rent land beyond town boundaries
into Cayuga County or in the Town of Groton illustrating that Lansing farmers are being pushed to find
land at some distance from their home farms
The Tompkins County Planning Department in the 2012 Land Use Land Cover (LULC) survey
identified 14,728 acres of active agricultural land, plus 980 acres classified as inactive agriculture. This
number is slightly lower than agriculture assessment data because it reflects land use. Farmers may own
land that is not actively farmed (forest land). In this LULC survey, it was noted that active agricultural
land increased in Lansing by 1,017 acres from 2007 to 2012, with most of the increase resulting from
inactive land going back into farming (866 acres). This increase is reflective of the demand among
farmers for land to farm.
.
Town of Lansin g
Ag ri cultural Property
F•rm<t<t ti,y Owner e.•72 •c,..
l•Md Fatmllnd &.570 acret
c:J IA.ll"IIOIPII Bolllda"-1
C.yi.q:allk•
Map 6 -Farmland Owned & Rented
19
Town of Lansing
Land Use Land Cover 2012
.. Agriculture 14 ,728 acres
1111 lnadlve Agriculture 980 aerea
Re•denllal 4,145 acrea
Commercial 441 acrea
Pubflc/lnatltutlonal 223 acrea
lndustrlal, Tra nsportation , Tra nsmission 1157 acrea
Recreation 228 acres
V'llaler 6079 acres (Includes Cayuga Lake)
c:::l Munk:l pal Boundarlea
Sourc:. 2012 Land UM L.00 CoYe, Inventory Tompkil\9 County Planning Dept
Map 7-Land Use Land Cover
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The predominant agricultural enterprise in the town is dairy
farming along with forage and field crop production. A
diversity of field crops is grown on Lansing farms. The most
common crops are corn, legume and grass hay, and
soybeans. Farmers also raise oats, winter barley, wheat,
triticale, sorghum, sunflowers and trees. Pasture is another
significant use of farmland, most typically for dairy or beef
cattle, although there are some farmers raising equine, pigs
and poultry.
Other types of farm enterprises include horticultural
businesses, small vegetable and fruit farms, Christmas trees,
and small livestock farms.
There are five are certified organic farms, including three
dairy farms, one crop and one vegetable farm.
The growth of diversified farming operations in the town
has been slower relative to other parts of the county. The
reason for this is that farmland in the town is intensively
used by crop and dairy farmers, and the price of farmland in
the town is higher than in other parts of the county making it
harder for small diversified farmers to buy land in Lansing.
Larger farm operations are able and willing to pay higher
prices for quality farmland.
Several farms have a mix of enterprises so while the there is
a total of 40 farms, multiple farm enterprises are reflected in
the table above. Also, while only 34 farming operations
receive agricultural assessment, the total number of
agricultural businesses in the town is 40; this includes 6
horticultural sales and service operations. Of forty, at least
half (20) are operating full time or significant part time businesses.
10 farms have been in existence for 50 years or more, and four of these are century farms.
roles in the farm operations, including labor, management, bookkeeping and clerical. On some farms,
there is a division of labor with different family members in charge of different aspects of the operation,
such as caring for calves, being in charge of equipment, or overseeing crops.
Lansing farms provide full or part time employment opportunities for 40 owners and their family
members. Additionally, farmers hire at least 60 part time and seasonal employees. It is estimated that
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
FARMING ENTERPRISES
Farming Activity by
Type of Enterprise
Dairy ................................... 11
In the town; 3 dairies own/operate
land in Lansing with facilities in
Cayuga County
Crops, No dairy..................... B
Vegetables/Fruit ................. 15
(Includes Come/I Orchards on
Sweazy Road; 6 small market
gardeners; 7 raising produce with
other crops or livestock; 1 large
vegetable producer has
headquarters in Cayuga County)
Livestock.............................. B
Three beef, balance includes a mix
of small livestock & poultry
Equine ................................... 4
Offer stables or riding services
Honey/maple ......................... 2
Ornamental Plants/Nursery 6
Christmas trees .................... 2
Total: .................................. 56
Enterprises associated with 40 farm
businesses.
FARM OPERATORS/EMPLOYMENT
Nearly all farms report that various family members (parents, spouses, siblings, children, "other") have
20
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
there are at least 25 Hispanic workers employed on town dairy farms. Hispanic workers are vital on
dairy farms. There is concern that immigration enforcement actions and changes in immigration law
could result in the sudden loss of Hispanic workers resulting in critical labor shortages on dairy farms.
Further efforts to evaluate the importance of the Hispanic workforce should be considered by the town
agriculture committee once appointed.
Total farm product sales in the town are estimated to be around $20 million per year with about $17
million attributed to dairy farming. This is the largest value of agricultural product sales of any town in
the county and it further points to the significance of the agriculture industry in the Town of Lansing.
Town of Lansing farms generate 30% of total farm product sales in the Tompkins County ($67 Million
total sales for Tompkins County, 2012 Census of Agriculture).
Capital investments on farms over the past 7 years as reported in the 2011 agriculture district review
survey ranged from a majority of farms with investments under than $10,000 to several farms with over
one million invested. The majority of farms invested $200,000 to $700,000 per farm (7 year period).
The fact that farms are investing in their businesses is a sign of farm viability, that farms are
modernizing, and that farmers are optimistic about the future of farming. Typical farm investments
include: new structures or equipment and, on dairy farms, environmental investments required for EPA
Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) compliance.
As mentioned before, farms in Lansing provide at least 40 full time jobs for owners and operators and at
least 60 additional jobs that are part-time or seasonal. This amounts to a combined payroll of at least 3
million. Most farm employment is associated with dairy farms and horticulture businesses. Dairy farm
management jobs pay competitive wages and workers are generally paid above the minimum wage.
Crop farms and smaller specialty enterprises are generally owner-operated but employ extra workers
during the harvest season. Jobs on farms result in dollars being spent in the community for housing,
food, and other personal goods.
Both part-time farmers and full-time farmers indicate that having off farm family income to provide
health and retirement benefits is vital to the farm operation and family quality of life.
$30,807 in Fire District Tax, out of a total of $1,241,417 which represents 2.48%.
$45,658 in Town of Lansing Taxes, out of a total of $1,630,854 which represents 2.80%
$222,998 in County taxes, out of a total of $43,778,193 which represents 0.51%.
$614,885 in Lansing School Taxes out of a total of $14,724,972 which represents 4.18.
$14,185 in Groton School Tax, $4,858 in Ithaca City School Tax and $12,046 in Southern Cayuga Taxes.
Total tax liability paid by farmers in the Town of Lansing - $945,407 burden shared by 40 businesses
involved in farming. Note that nearly 5% of gross ag sales is paid out in taxes.
Source: Tompkins County Assessment Department, 2013
ECONOMIC VALUE OF FARMING
Taxes paid by Lansing Farmers
21
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Lansing farmers, especially full time farmers, indicate a strong desire to keep their land in agriculture
and productive farming into the future. If farmers sell land, it tends to be the less productive fields or
sites where development is already encroaching. Part-time farmers seem to have more uncertainty about
what will happen to their farms and farmland in the future. Because many part-time farmers rent a
portion of their land to full time farms, it is possible that land will be sold to a larger farming operation
at some time in the future. According to several farmers interviewed, when good farm land in the town
becomes available, farmers tend to buy it. Buying farmland near the home farm is important for farm
operating efficiency. Trends suggest there may be fewer farmland owners and larger farms in the future.
However, several farm operators did not envision expanding their farming enterprise in the future and
farmers that had expanded in recent years indicated that they anticipated moderate growth in the future.
Being able to transfer a farm to next generation is not an option for some farmers in the town. About
uncertain what will happen to the rest. Most have a few more years before reaching retirement age. In
one case with no heirs, development rights have been sold which guarantees that the farm will not be
developed but must be available for farming purposes. In another case where development rights were
sold, the next generation is already in place and taking over the farming operation.
Total acres of farmland under permanent easement in the Town of Lansing: 1,446 acres.
Crop farmers who operate at least half of the land in the town along with their dairy farmer neighbors
have an uncertain future unless there is someone who will take over their enterprise, presumably another
crop farmer seeking to expand. Crop farmers own very little land but rent most of it. Their equity is
mostly associated with field equipment.
The continuing availability of land to rent is a source of stress for both dairy and crop farmers. With
nearly 45% of the land that is farmed being rented by farmers, there is a level of uncertainty about
landowner plans. However, from the landowner survey, there was a strong stated preference to keep
land in farming.
Small and beginning farming enterprises also face uncertainty. Many small farms, including those in
Lansing, find it challenging to develop a profitable farming enterprise. It is typical that a major effort is
expended on the part of owners during the startup years, but if limited progress is made with marketing,
covering costs, and building equity, the owners tend to burn out. Some are able to refine and adjust
operations until their goals are met which may include covering costs and taxes while raising food for
themselves, while others hope to develop a part or full time business that eventually replaces off farm
income. Small part-time livestock and produce farms may be less likely continue beyond the current
owners, however, others such farms will emerge, therefore it is anticipated that farmland use will remain
stable into the future.
FUTURE PLANS REPORTED BY LANSING FARMERS
half of the town's 11 dairy farms have a business structure or family members in place to take over. It is
22
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
high level of importance placed on the NYS Agricultural District Law in keeping land in
agriculture
agriculture assessment to keep taxes manageable but the state exemption is not great enough (the
amount of the exemption has been less in recent years because of the valuation method used by
the state; changes are being propose at the state level)
PDR is less enticing given rising value of land and less differential between ag values and
development values
desire for town leadership pre-disposed to protecting farming interests, making it possible to
keep farming
rural roads need to be maintained in good condition for moving farm equipment
government regulations in general are of concern
losing rented ground; finding good land to rent
landowners may need to sell parcels to cover rising taxes
finding land to buy
price of farm land to buy or rent
farm transfer to next generation
misinformation and lack of understanding about agriculture practices among general public
farmers are stewards of their land this needs to be communicated to the public
steady increase in development
city people moving into rural areas, lack knowledge of farming practices
complaints from non-farmers (smell, dirt on road, farming practices)
more development pressure as non-farm neighbors sell land for development
- Some farmers noted that increasing development and demand for
services in the southern part of the town has resulted in less road maintenance in the northern part of the
town. Farmers depend on rural roads for moving equipment, delivery of supplies, and movement of
harvested products. Road maintenance is one of the few town services that farmers receive for taxes
they pay; therefore it is of value to have good roads for farming operations.
Due to the level of farming activity in the town,
there is demand among farmers for good quality farmland to own and rent. In recent years, rental rates
and the price of farmland in Lansing have increased contributing to higher operating costs (debt). The
increase in prices paid for farmland is driven by larger farm operations from Cayuga County that have
purchased town farmland as it has become available. Given the size of these farming operations; they
can often afford to pay higher land prices. Some Lansing farmers have consequently lost the
opportunity to buy nearby land to expand their farming operations. While larger operations keep land in
farming, it makes it harder for Lansing farmers to remain competitive and impacts the ability of new
farming operations to start up. High value and small scale farming enterprises may be able to afford
higher prices for smaller parcels. The demand for land may result in squeezing out middle sized farms.
Key Concerns Voiced by Farmers
Agricultural policies
•
•
•
•
•
•
Risks to farming operations
•
•
•
•
•
Development pressure
•
•
•
•
•
•
Maintenance of rural roads
Demand for good farmland among farmers -
23
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
In 2012 Tompkins County Assessment undertook a comprehensive review of
agriculture property sales to determine the current value of farmland for assessment purposes. The
purpose of the review was to bring agricultural land assessments to 100% fair market value. For the
Town of Lansing, farmland sales ranged from $1,000 to $4,500 per acre, with an average selling price
for the 6 farm properties in the review of $2,850. The average farmland selling price in the county was
$2,300. Farmers are concerned about the increase in the assessed value of their properties along with
the ability to buy land at a price they can afford. Farming as a business is based on land as its productive
resource. If land is not available at a price they can afford, it will surely be bought up by other interests.
A town Purchase of Development Rights program is one way to keep land available and affordable for
town farmers. However, higher prices paid for farmland is also making PDR less attractive to farmers as
the difference between agriculture values and development values is shrinking, meaning that farmers
will get paid less when selling their development rights.
given the amount of land required to operate a viable farming operation, taxes even with
agricultural assessment and the NYS Farmers School Tax Credit represent a significant operating
expense. Of the 5 leading agricultural states, NY farmers pay the highest taxes, even higher than
California farmers. This means that NY farmers are at a competitive disadvantage given the higher cost
of doing business and they are also therefore, less profitable. Higher taxes and less profit can lead to
loss of farming enterprises and the associated farmland.
many farmers are uncertain about whether land they are renting today
for farming will be available in the future. Rural landowners, like farmers, are impacted by increasing
taxes. Those renting land to a farmer and receiving agricultural assessment are less impacted by tax
increases. Most farmers work with landowners they rent from to ensure there is a 5 year lease in place
required to qualify for agricultural assessment. Many parcels being rented to farmers are owned by
older residents including some that retired from farming but still own their land. A key concern is what
will happen to this land once it is transferred to the next generation; will the heirs hold on to the land or
will they sell it? Some may be sold to farmers, but some may be lost to farming depending on the heirs
and estate. Estate planning and the sale of development rights may be one way to help keep rented land
in farming.
Agriculture depends on future farmers to take over current
operations or start new ones. In Lansing, there is a mix of farming operations with a younger generation
or business partners ready to take over, along with farms that have no heirs or transition plan in place.
The transition of farming operations to new owners or the next generation will require estate planning.
Cooperative Extension and NY FarmNet can link farmers to legal counselors to help this process move
forward.
There is an active community of beginning farmers and farming entrepreneurs in Tompkins County.
These farming enthusiasts are seeking to raise a variety of crops and livestock on a small scale destined
for local markets. In the Town of Lansing there are fewer start-up farms because land is less available
and prices are higher. Small scale farming can play an important role in the rural economy and could be
encouraged by matching beginning farmers with rural landowners or farmers who want to keep their
land in farming. Cooperative Extension has started Finger Lakes LandLink to foster connections
between land owners and land seekers.
Property values -
Taxes-
Land Rented vs. Owned-
The Next Generation of Farmers -
24
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Ultimately, maintaining land in farming will depend on the
economic conditions and policies that impact farming. Regulations, high taxes, high utility costs,
availability of labor, supply and demand, input costs, and market prices all impact the costs and returns.
Many farms have expanded to keep up with these realities; however, expansion alone may not address
these challenges. Good management and strategic planning is critical. Some farmers have changed
production and marketing strategies to generate higher returns. Policies at the local, state and federal
level all play a role in agricultur
control and giving priority to agriculture, along with property taxes.
encourage growth in concentrated areas to stop/slow down growth in farming areas
evaluate the option to lease development rights for a period of time with stipulations
make it possible for town farmers to buy farmland at a price they can afford
right to farm law review existing law, strengthen as appropriate
more focus on local food production and marketing
town wide waste facility to produce biogas manure could supplement
Farmers in the Town of Lansing have reflected on what they see as trends and the outlook for agriculture
in the town. Given the long history of active agriculture as a dominant land use and economic sector,
there is optimism that agriculture will remain viable in the future given protection of high quality soil
resources, well managed farming operations, and the availability of farmland for expansion.
Farming has been a continuous activity in the Town of Lansing since it was settled. Over its 200+ year
history, there has been a shift in farming and farm related enterprises. One major shift was from small
plot diversified farming and related processing facilities such as creameries, mills and tanneries that
-20th century
and continues today. There is a trend today to return to smaller specialty agriculture and organic
farming. While there has been a loss of farm numbers over time, the land in farming has remained
steady and is recently increasing.
The gain in actively farmed lands as show in in Land Use Land Cover data from Tompkins County
Planning (2012) has been fueled by both large and small farms. Larger dairies are seeking land to
comply with regulations for manure spreading; higher corn prices drive more acreage; organic farms are
seeking land where chemicals have not been used for at least 3 years; and small specialty farms are
emerging on parcels from 1 to 20 acres. While there is turnover of ownership, there is continuity in
agriculture due to the fact that Lansing is a highly active farming area with high quality soils to support
productive agriculture.
In the past 10 years, there has been a transition in farmland ownership from local farms to larger farm
owners from north of the town line. Two Cayuga County farmers have been buying land to expand their
dairy and crop enterprises and now own a combined total of about 3000 acres of Lansing farmland.
While these neighboring farm operations are keeping land in agriculture and pay taxes, several concerns
Economic Realities of Farming-
e's future. At the local level, the key policy issues will be land use
Other Ways to Encourage the Continuation of Farming
As Mentioned by farmers and landowners at meetings and in the surveys
•
•
•
•
•
•
AGRICULTURAL TRENDS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Farmland
existed in the late 1800's to early 1900's to more specialized agriculture that emerged mid
25
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
have emerged for town farmers. The local farming community finds it challenging to compete with
these larger operations to buy or rent land. Both farm real estate prices and farmland rental prices have
-sized farms are being squeezed out by the larger farms that buy
land or pay higher rental rates. It is harder for town farmers to find land to buy or rent at affordable
prices, which impacts their ability to expand. Some town farmers are buying land at some distance from
their home base, when land next door sold at a price than they were able to pay. When farmers buy land
at a distance from their home farm, there is an increased cost to farming.
This raises several concerns about agriculture in the future. Will it be dominated by large absentee farm
owners; will mid-sized crop farming operations be able to find land they need to remain viable, and will
high priced farmland deter the next generation of beginning farmers? Another impact of higher
farmland prices is that it results in higher assessed values. The overall tax liability for farmers increases
operating costs, but for small farms, it has a big impact on farming profits, cost of living, and overall
quality of life for farming families.
.
Without an active farmland protection program that makes it possible for local farmers to buy farmland
at prices they can afford, these trends will continue with the following consequences:
1) Larger absentee farmland owners will own and operate land in the town this means that there is
less of a personal connection between the farmer, the land, the neighbors, and town government.
Farmers who live and work in the town have a commitment to their community.
2) The future of farming will depend on the viability of large farm operations outside the town. If these
operations should downsize or even worse file for bankruptcy, it is uncertain what would happen to
farmland they own or rent in the town. With fewer local farms to re-absorb that land, some land
may be abandoned until some future use emerges.
3) Smaller diversified farming enterprises may find it harder to buy land in the town given the
competition for farmland and higher selling prices. This limits the opportunity for new ventures
focused on local food production and agri-tourism to emerge unless they have significant investment
capital.
Several actions could be considered by the Town to help preserve an active local farming community.
One is to make rural landowners aware that selling or renting farmland to a neighboring farmer instead
of the highest price may help preserve the local farming community. An incentive program that
encourages landowners to sell to local farms could be considered. New farming enterprises might be
encouraged through similar incentives that connect current landowners with beginning farmers with the
goal of ultimately transitioning land to new owners. Creativity and commitment will be needed to
secure a futur
town agriculture committee and agriculture community, as well as consensus among town officials and
the community at large that agriculture should be protected and promoted for the benefit of all.
In the Town of Lansing as farmers have retired, the remaining farmers have absorbed much of the
available farmland. This has resulted in fewer farmers farming more acres spread throughout the town.
This historical trend of fewer and larger dairy and crop farms will likely continue.
increased. As a result, the town's mid
even with the benefit of agricultural assessment. Taxes may be a small portion of a large farm's
e for farming . To realize the vision for agriculture's continuation will require an engaged
Farming Operations
26
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The transition to organic dairy farming began in early 2000. Currently there are 3 certified organic
dairies in the town farming a total of around 2,500 acres of land they own or rent. At present, there are
no reports of additional dairies planning to become certified. Organic dairies rely on organic crops they
grow or buy. Given prices of organic feed, more crop farmers could raise organic crops to meet the
needs of organic dairies. There is one crop farmer raising approximately 350 acres of organic grains to
supply area dairy farmers and a small organic vegetable farm with about 4 acres in production and 50
acres rented for organic grains.
Livestock beyond dairy is somewhat limited but has potential to expand if there is more demand for
local meat. Beef is raised on 3 farms at present but demand exists for other meat animals (pork, lamb,
goat) and poultry. These could be raised on a small scale and sold locally.
Overall, there has not been as strong a trend towards small diversified farming in Lansing, mostly
because the larger specialized dairy and crop enterprises dominate. And the price of farmland is
generally higher in the Town of Lansing, making it less attractive to new farmers who are starting up
south and west of Ithaca where land prices are somewhat lower.
There is a strong commercial ornamental horticulture industry in Lansing. Horticulture businesses in
Lansing benefit from having nearby business and residential customers. Christmas trees are associated
with two operations. Growth in housing and commercial development creates demand for horticulture
sales and services and generates niche farming opportunities y that is less land intensive than grain or
dairy farming.
Fruit including soft tree fruits, berries and grapes have good potential in Lansing. Evidence for this
comes from the fact that the Cornell Horticulture Department has a stone fruit research facility on a
slope down off Rt. 34B. There are two stone fruit orchards near 34B. Apples have been successfully
established in two other town locations near Rt. 34. There is additional potential for fruit production,
especially along the 34B corridor. A pick your own fruit farm could offer a high value crop opportunity
for an enterprising new farmer. There is a diversified pick your own farm just over the county line in
Cayuga County. Competitors might find a niche with organic fruit. Agritourism including orchards,
wineries, and other farm attractions along Route 34 B could enhance the Cayuga Wine Trail on the east
side of Cayuga Lake.
Vegetables are a sideline on several dairy, livestock and crop farms and part-time enterprise for a few
market gardeners. There are currently two CSA options for Lansing residents: Thomson Farm located
on Van Ostrand Road with pick up at the Grey Barn on Peruville road (farm is being sold and family is
relocating in 2016), and Early Morning Farm in Genoa, offering a CSA pick up near the post office.
Approximately 100 Lansing area households are served by these two farms.
Interest in local foods is likely to continue as a societal trend as long as local foods are easily obtainable
and affordable. The level of interest among Lansing residents in local foods is unknown; a survey of
residents might be considered. Many south Lansing residents shop at the Ithaca Farmers Market. After
3 seasons, vendors involved in a Saturday Lansing Farmers Market at the Town Hall felt they were not
attracting enough customers and sales to justify their time. This may suggest that interest in local foods
among Town residents is not strong enough to support a farmers market. A market will only succeed if
there are sufficient vendors and customers. There is a new farmers market operating on Friday
mornings in the Triphammer Mall parking lot (next to the Fish Truck) which appears to be a better
27
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
venue for sales than at the Town Hall. This market is consistently attracting about 18-20 vendors and has
a regular customer base of shoppers visiting the Fish Truck, however, vendors report that only a fraction
of customers shopping for fish, buy from them.
A survey was sent to 80 Lansing non-farming landowners that receive agricultural assessment on land
they rent to farmers; 38 returned the surveys (46% return rate). These property owners were asked a
variety of questions about their land and what they thought might happen to it in the future. Following
is a summary of landowner responses (survey questions can be found in Appendix II).
Like much of the farmer owned land in Lansing, agricultural land that is rented to farmers has
typically been in the family for decades. Twenty-eight (74%) landowners responding have owned their
land for 21 or more years, and nine of these owners reported their land has been in their family for
over 60 years. The most commonly cited reasons for holding on to or purchasing agricultural land
were maintain open space (27 responses/71%), for privacy (23 responses/61%) and recreation was also
important (17 responses/45%). Income was the least often selected response (12 responses/32%). Six
respondents (16%) provided additional reasons including investment, firewood/hunting, and family.
All respondents were reasonably satisfied with their current rental arrangement, with 32 (85%) leaning
towards highly satisfied. Nearly all, 32, found it relatively easy to find a farmer to rent land, although
three reported some difficulty. Sixteen landowners reported renting their land to the same farmer for
more than ten years, and nine of these had agreements for twenty years or more. Six landowners
reported that their current rental arrangement was less than five years old. Most of the landowners (35
out of 38) expect to rent their land to a farmer for at least the next five to ten years, and 20 (53%) of
those expect to rent beyond ten years
the next ten years suggesting there is some uncertainty about the future of their land in farming.
Twenty-five landowners (61%) place no restrictions on farming practices used by farmers renting
land. Of the eight (21%) reporting some form of restriction, two are involved organic production/no
pesticides use, one requests advance notice of spraying, one said no manure spreading (odor), and
three wanted input of cropping plans.
Thirty landowners (79%) have never sold land for house lots. Most landowners (28 or 74%) do not
intend to sell housing lots in the next five to ten years; only three landowners said they would, and one
said maybe. Profit, the need for supplemental or retirement income, or high taxes were some of the
reasons landowners had sold or might sell housing lots. Landowner hopes for the future are that their
land stay agricultural or open space (17 or 45%), four expected to pass the land to other family
members, three had no idea what would happen, and three thought the land would be used for
development. Nearly all respondents indicated income from the sale of housing lots was not important
(22 did not respond and 10 said it was not at all important).
Landowners clearly indicated interest in keeping their land actively farmed (31 or 82%) and
undeveloped (25 or 61%). They also cited that receiving agricultural assessment on rented land is
important (25 or 61%), and rental payments they receive were somewhat less important by comparison
(20 said it was important, 12 moderately important, and 5 said not important).
Of the non-farm landowners with woodlands, seven have a forest management plan, seven regularly
harvest wood for timber, and nine regularly harvest wood for firewood.
LANDOWNER SURVEY RESULTS
-although 15 (39%) didn't know what would happened beyond
28
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Most landowners (31 or 82%) do not expect to ever farm the land themselves, although five expected
to start farming at some point.
Sixteen respondents (42%) thought there was a great amount of housing development pressure on the
Town of Lansing, 8 thought there was some, and 11 thought the pressure was very low. There was a
shift in these figures when landowners were asked about development near their land: 11 thought there
was a great amount of housing development pressure, 11 thought there was some, and 13 thought the
pressure was very low. Most respondents, 28 (74%), indicated nearby development would not
influence them to subdivide their land, while five said it would and three others indicated it might.
Landowners indicated interest in the following as services/assistance to help manage land:
Keep the Ag District intact
Someone to look at the land and let me know it is being most productively used
Keep zoning to a minimum
Lower taxes
Keep the land around me strictly for agriculture;
developments
Continue to encourage farmland to stay in farming
Observance/enforcement of existing land use ordinances
Make it possible for retired farmers live off their land by not restricting farmland sales
Tax advantages for farming & small rural business
Lower taxes on farmland. Undeveloped land owners should be rewarded for NOT subdividing.
Most subdivide to pay for land they are trying to keep.
Sentiments regarding large farms and their associated odors and potential pollution hazards were not
mentioned as issues by survey respondents perhaps because they rent to farmers, some renting many
years to the same farmer, and therefore they may have less concern about farming practices than a more
recent rural landowner who does not know the farmer as well. At least one rural landowner attending a
public meeting expressed concern about farming practices on large dairy farms.
Agriculture production methods have significantly over the years and larger farms do pose some risks
that smaller less intensive enterprises may not pose. The EPA regulations that dairy and large livestock
operations must follow have generally minimized the environmental risks. Building good farmer
neighbor relations is in the interest of the farm community. Farming practices can be modified to
accommodate the needs of the farm and of the surrounding rural residents.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
29
don't want to be blocked m by housing
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
states that an
objective is
The northern portion of the town
was identified as the target area for farmland protection. This area has productive farming operations,
excellent soil characteristics, and is geographically connected to a similar farming region in southern
Cayuga County.
According to the 2006 plan, the Town is also committed to keeping development concentrated in the
southern part of the town and promote growth in South Lansing and in the at the
intersection of NYS Routes 34 and 34B to maximize the return on infrastructure investments.
Encouraging development in this service area and keeping the northern part of the town in active
farmland are mutually reinforcing elements of the same goal, as stated in
Plan:
concentration will make the provision of public utilities practical and feasible. Within this overall
The Town of Lansing is currently updating the 2006 Comprehensive Plan. A committee appointed by
the Town Board began meeting in September 2012. The committee is in the process of reviewing and
revising goals and drafting recommended actions for the Town Board to consider. It is hoped that the
update will be completed in 2015. Information about the Comprehensive Plan update is available on the
Town website (www.lansingtown.com).
The Town is seeking to create a mixed-use pedestrian-oriented development that further enhances a
sides with access to Route 34/34B and Conlon Road. The intent of the Town is to have complimentary
uses including: retail, residential, hotel and motel, affordable market-rate and senior housing, business,
commercial, and office space uses, research and development, recreation, open space, and trails. County
housing studies and recent development pressure point to the need for housing, public spaces, and mixed
higher-density nodal developments. The town would like to meet these needs, while simultaneously
promoting a sense of community in this Town Center area. Municipal water is currently available, as is
natural gas, electricity, and other utilities. Sewer service is not currently available but a sewer district
has been under consideration.
IV. TOWN OF LANSING LAND USE POLICIES, PLANS AND
PROGRAMS IMPACTING AGRICULTURE
A. Existing Town Land Use Policies
AGRICULTURE AS REFERENCED IN
THE TOWN'S 2006 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town of Lansing's adopted Comprehensive Plan (11/15/2006) Agriculture section
"to protect the Town's agricultural land resources through the use of Transfer of
Development Rights and Purchase/Lease of Development Rights. "
"Town Center"
the Town's Comprehensive
"New development should be encouraged to occur in areas where a larger population
growth orientation, the Town also intends to support viable agricultural activity. "
2012 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW AND UPDATE
TOWN CENTER PROPOSAL
conceptual plan for a traditional neighborhood styled "Town Center." The site has road frontage on three
30
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
With this Local Law, the Lansing Town Board affirmed that farming is an important activity in the town
that contributes to the quality of life, provides open space, and generates economic benefits. The intent
of the law is to preserve the tradition of farming, permit normal farm operations, and encourage the
expansion of farms and agricultural businesses. A provision of the law is to provide anyone filing for a
building or subdivision permit with the Town Zoning officer a disclosure statement if the property
borders a farm. The intent is to make permit applicants aware of farming neighbors and to inform them
that farmers have the right to undertake and follow sound agricultural practices. This local law further
affirms the right to farm provisions in the NYS Agriculture & Markets Law 25 AA (details follow).
Much of the farmland in the town lies within Agricultural District #1 and is therefore protected by both
the town and state Right to Farm law provisions. For town farmlands outside of Agriculture District #1,
the town Right to Farm Law provides protection for the conduct of normal farming practices.
In 2003, the 439-acre, 35 cow dairy owned by Donald Howser on Auburn Road (Rt. 34) was the first
farm in Tompkins County to be awarded a NYS Farmland Protection Implementation Program grant.
In 2005, the farm also received Federal Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (USDA NRCS)
matching funds. The deed restriction and agricultural conservation easement for the Howser Farm was
finalized in 2006.
Bensvue Farm (approximately 6 miles from the Howser Farm, on Lansingville Road) was awarded a
NYS Farmland Protection Implementation Program grant in 2009. This 525 cow organic dairy farm
encompasses a total of 1,007 acres that are now under permanent agricultural conservation easement
(Spring 2012).
Both easements are held by Tompkins County and the County Planning Department has the
responsibility for monitoring the easements annually to ensure terms are upheld.
1,446 Acres
(16% of total farm land owned by farmers; 9% of all land owned and rented by farmers)
300 acres Finger Lakes Land Trust conservation easement on a farm belonging to Gordon
and Margaret Nesbitt, 761 Peruville Rd. (tax parcels: Groton-34.-1-15 and Dryden-21.-1-11)
33-acre (tax parcel Lansing-9-1-12) Finger Lakes Land Trust Salmon Creek Bird Sanctuary.
TOWN OF LANSING RIGHT TO FARM LAW:
LOCAL LAW #2 -ADOPTED IN 1997
B. Tompkins County and New York State Land Use Programs, Policies and Plans in
effect in the Town of Lansing
•
•
PROTECTED FARMS IN LANSING
Total Farmland under Permanent Agricultural Easement
in the Town of Lansing:
Protected Open Space: Town of Lansing and nearby
To help protect the Sanctuary's birds, there are no trails on the preserve.
31
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
In 2006, the 419-acre Lew-Lin Farm in the Town of Dryden was approved for NYS Farmland Protection
Implementation Program funding. Since then two additional Dryden Farms were selected for state
funding Jerry Dell Farm on Simms Hill and Carpenter Farm east of the Village of Dryden on Route 13.
Three farms in the Town of Ithaca are under permanent agricultural conservation easement (Ferguson,
N. Eddy, Cummins). In the case of the Town of Ithaca, easement funding came from three different
program; Federal USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Conservation Easement; and the NYS Farmland Protection Implementation Program.
Article 25-AA of the Agriculture & Markets Law authorizes the creation of local agricultural districts
pursuant to landowner initiative, preliminary county review, state certification, and county adoption. The
purpose of agricultural districts is to encourage the continued use of farmland for agricultural
production. The law provides a combination of landowner incentives and protections designed to
forestall the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Benefits include preferential real property
tax treatment (agricultural assessment and special benefit assessment), protection against overly
restrictive local laws, government funded acquisition or construction projects, and private nuisance suits
involving agricultural practices.
The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Division of Agricultural Protection manages the
certification of new districts and the review and recertification of existing districts. State certification
confirms that a district meets the purposes and intent of the Agricultural District Law and all eligibility
criteria described therein. Districts are reviewed for recertification every 8 years at which time the
county board recommends properties for removal or inclusion (the state certifies all changes for district
continuation). Properties can be added to districts annually but removed only during the 8 year review.
The Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, along with the full County
Legislature, are responsible for conducting reviews of agriculture districts in Tompkins County. A step
in the review process is to meet with town boards to ensure that local land use plans and agriculture
district boundaries remain compatible.
The process of forming an agricultural district begins when farmers with a combined total of 500 acres
or more petition the County Legislature for district designation; subsequently the district is reviewed and
certified by NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets and the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
(DEC).
In 1974, then Agriculture District 4 in the Town of Lansing was formed to encompass farms and
contiguous non-farm rural lands from Route 34B north and east to the Groton Town line. The original
agricultural district encompassed 25,293 acres wholly within the Town of Lansing and included a total
of 98 farm operations (including 23 dairy farms) at the time of formation. In 1979, an additional district
#7 was formed to include 3 farms in the southern part of the town encompassing 664 acres.
PROTECTED FARMS IN TOMPKINS COUNTY
sources: the town 's
NYS AGRICULTURE & MARKETS LAW 25 AA -AGRICULTURE DISTRICTS
Tompkins County Agriculture District #1
32
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
In 1981, Tompkins County combined District #1
(originally in Dryden) with Districts 3 (east side
of Groton), 4 and 7 in Lansing. The new larger
Agricultural District #1 includes most of the
farmland in the eastern half of Tompkins
County in the Towns of Lansing, Groton,
Dryden, Caroline, Ithaca and Danby. District #2
includes farmland in the western half of the
county.
Agricultural District #1 includes 24,815 acres of
farm and rural non-farm land in the Town of
Lansing or about 24% of total of 102,819 acres
in the entire District #1. The district was last
reviewed in 2012 and farm data from that
review was used compiling the Lansing Farm
Profile (section III of this report). In 2012, there
were 10 properties with a combined total of 596
acres removed from the agriculture district in
Lansing. All properties were in the southern
part of the town and were removed because
there was no associated agricultural activity on
the property or nearby.
It is the practice of the Tompkins County
Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board
(AFPB) to meet with town boards during the
required 8 year review of agricultural districts to identify properties to include or remove from the
district so that the agriculture district remains compatible with town plans while protecting farms and
farmland. For the Town of Lansing, the AFPB strongly endorses actions that protect the important
active agricultural areas and soil resources found in the northern half of the town. The AFPB also
acknowledges that large farms are less common in areas south of Rt. 34/34B, however, the AFPB feels
that south Lansing is appropriate for small scale farming oriented at direct marketing. Having small
farms in proximity to residential development can provide fresh local foods to consumers via Pick-
Your-Own, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), farm stands, or for sale at farmers markets.
It is the goal of AFPB to ensure that active farms, regardless of their location, benefit from the
provisions of the agricultural district law. Therefore, if a farm is located within a developing area of a
town, the AFPB generally recommends keeping it in the agriculture district. It is also the practice of
AFPB to include both agricultural and rural non-farm land in an agriculture district where agriculture
is the dominant land use such as in the northern part of Lansing. However, there are a few non-farm
properties that have been removed from the Agricultural District in north Lansing by landowner
request made to and approved by AFPB.
Map 8 -Agricultural District
Agricultural Districts 2012
-Agricultural Dlstr ~t
Q Municipal Boundaries
Cayuga Lake
Town of Lansing
Source . 2012 Tu Parcel Data , Tompkins County Asseasment Dept
New Yot1< State Dept of Agricu lture and M1'1<et1
33
7
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
One of the most important benefits of the NYS Agricultural Districts Program is the opportunity for
farmland owners to receive real property assessments based on the value of their land for agricultural
production rather than its development value. The Department of Agriculture & Markets uses a Land
Classification System based on soil productivity to calculate agricultural assessments for individual
parcels. Farmers qualify for Agricultural Assessment if they operate 7 acres or more that has been
farmed for 2 years, and generate $10,000 in agricultural product sales. Landowners qualify for
agricultural assessment on land they rent to a farmer if they have a written 5 year lease with a farmer
who qualifies for agricultural assessment. To receive the exemption, farmers and landowners
renting land to farmers fill out a soils worksheet to classify their soil and then apply each year by
April 1 with the county assessment department.
The NYS Agricultural District Law places a mandate on state agencies, local governments, and
public benefit corporations to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to farm operations when pursuing
projects within an agricultural district that involve either the acquisition of farmland or the advance
of public funds for certain construction activities. Agriculture & Markets staff conducts detailed
reviews of Notice of Intent documents provided by project sponsors and recommends mitigative
action where necessary. Such projects cannot proceed until the Notice of Intent process is completed.
The NYS Agricultural District Law protects farmers against local laws which unreasonably restrict
farm operations located within an agricultural district. Agriculture & Markets staff, together with
Department legal staff, reviews both existing and proposed laws to determine if they are compatible
with farm operations. In cases where a local law is determined to be unreasonable, staff works with
local government to develop mutually acceptable modifications. If a local government is unwilling
to modify a restrictive law, the Department is authorized to take action to compel compliance with
NYS Agricultural District Law.
The NYS Agricultural District Law also authorizes the NYS Agriculture Commissioner to issue
opinions, upon request, concerning the soundness of specific agricultural practices. If the
Commissioner determines that a practice is sound, it shall not constitute a private nuisance. In order
for a practice to be considered sound, it must be legal, not harmful, necessary and supported by
expert guidance or opinion. Cornell Cooperative Extension educators or Soil and Water District staff
may be called upon to issue an opinion regarding sound practices.
Under Section 308(4), the NYS Agriculture Commissioner is authorized to issue an opinion on
whether particular land uses are agricultural in nature.
NYS Agriculture & Markets Law, Section 305a • Agriculture Districts
Key Provisions of the Law
Agricultural Assessment
Notice of Intent
RestricnveLocalLaws
Sound Agricultural Practices
Agricultural Enterprise Determinations
34
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The Tompkins County 2004 Comprehensive Plan recommended diversity in the agriculture sector,
including agriculture that serves local and regional markets, an emerging clean energy sector based on
renewable resources, conservation of forest lands and their management for sustainable yields of forest
products, and protection of water resources and wildlife habitat. It was recognized that agriculture and
agriculture-related enterprises represent a significant share of the economy in rural towns and contribute
to the scenic countryside that attracts tourists and business to the area.
Specifically with regard to the Town of Lansing, the 2004 County Comprehensive Plan identifies the
northern part of Lansing as one of three major Agricultural Resources Focus Areas. These areas have
the best soils and highest concentrations of contiguous, actively farmed parcels of land in Tompkins
County. According to the county comprehensive plan, these areas provide the best opportunity to protect
a critical mass of contiguous agricultural land, and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in
Tompkins County.
in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan include:
Enhancing the viability of existing farming operations and agricultural businesses, and
encouraging the creation of new ones
Supporting agri-tourism development
Sustaining and enhancing the agricultural activities and working farms within the Agricultural
Resources Focus Areas
Encouraging development designed to preserve valuable agricultural and forest land and protect
prime agricultural land for agricultural use
The County adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in March, 2015. This plan makes less specific
recommendations related to farmland protection given that work is being done to update the Tompkins
County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan (to be completed September 2015). There are
however references to maintaining and to active working
landscapes, promoting agri-culinary tourism and encouraging local food production. Additionally
agriculture is recognized as having a role in protecting water quality and natural areas, reducing carbon
emissions, and for providing alternative energy resources.
http://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/files/compplan/documents/FINAL-March%2012-low%20res.pdf
The purpose of the Tompkins County ARFA Plan (2010) is to present a strategic county-wide approach
for long-term conservation of farmland resources. The plan describes existing conditions of each focus
area; identifies impediments, opportunities, and resources for the farming community; and suggests
conservation and management tools to ensure the future viability of these important agricultural
resources and to help farming prosper in these areas.
TOMPKINS COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Tompkins County's recommendations
•
•
•
•
agriculture's contribution to the economy
Tompkins County Agriculture Resource Focus Area Plan (ARFA)
35
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The six ARFAs are located across
Tompkins County in the Towns of
Lansing, Groton, Dryden, Caroline,
Newfield, Enfield and Ulysses.
For the County Planning ARFA
document visit:
http://tompkinscountyny.gov/planning/rural-
resources-arfa-plan.
The North Lansing-West Groton
Agricultural Resource Focus Area is
comprised of 21,680 acres of land.
Unlike other farming areas in
Tompkins County, this area has
experienced a slight increase in
actively farmed land in the last 12
years. The increase is driven by
demand for farmland by the larger
farm operations in Lansing and in
Cayuga County and by organic
farming operations bringing inactive
farmland back into production.
The
following pertaining to increasing
demand for agriculture land in North
Lansing-West Groton area:
[increase in actively farmed land]
strength as an agricultural economic engine especially in the face of increasing
Data compiled by the Tompkins County Planning Department provides an interesting comparison
among the agricultural resource focus areas. First, it is significant to note that agriculture in the county
has become concentrated on prime soils or soils of statewide significance (SOSS). The following
table shows that the North Lansing-West Groton Area has the highest percent of prime soils compared
to all other areas. Also, dairy remains dominant in the Northeast and North Lansing-West Groton
focus areas which are contiguous with the significant and large dairy industry in Cayuga County.
Having a concentration of similar farming enterprises in one area maintains a viable agriculture sector
where suppliers, service providers, and buyers can be more efficient in serving the needs of the farm
community and may pass on cost savings to farmers. Additionally, farmers in proximity to each other
tend to collaborate on farming activities (e.g. purchasing feed, trucking, equipment use, land leasing,
etc.) thereby, potentially achieving economies of scale.
Where are the ARFAs?
County's ARF A report states the
"this
development pressure. "
Map 9 -Agriculture Resource Focus Areas
Agricultural Resource Focus Areas
is significant and speaks to the area's
36
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Northeast
North
Lansing/
West
Groton
Northwest Benjamin
Hill Pony Hollow Six Mile
Creek TOTAL
Total ARFA
Acreage 25,234 21,680 21,522 2,155 1,930 4,774 77,295
# of Farm
Operations 59 52 67 12 4 19 213
Total Farm
Operation Acres
(active+inactive
agricultrual land)
16,590 15,467 13,197 1,584 1,702 3,389 51,929
Average Farm
Operation Size
(acres) 281 297 197 132 426 178 AVERAGE
244
% Total of ARFA
in Active
Agriculture, 2007 52% 55% 49% 56% 44% 47% AVERAGE
52%
% Loss of
Agriculture Land
(active +
inactive), 1969-
2007
24% 16% 23% 19% 9% 25% AVERAGE
21%
% Owned; %
Leased Farm
Operation Acres 72% owned;
28% leased
66% owned;
34% leased
78% owned;
22% leased
56% owned;
44% leased
100% owned;
0% leased
55% owned;
45% leased
AVERAGE
71%
owned;
29% leased
% Prime Soils; %
Soils of
Statewide
Significance
(SOSS)
9% Prime;
57% SOSS
43% Prime;
22% SOSS
35% Prime;
30% SOSS
1% Prime;
73% SOSS
37% Prime;
28% SOSS
21%
Prime;
40% SOSS AVERAGE
27% Prime;
38% SOSS
Estimated #
Dairies 30 23 3 3 1 3 63
have the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for agricultural
production with minimal inputs of fertilizer, lime, etc. to produce highest and best yields for viable
agriculture. Prime soils are characterized by having high lime, high nutrient supply capacity, good
structure/texture, well drained (or when artificially drained), flat to gently sloping, and significant
depth before reaching bedrock.
land which is deemed suitable for agricultural production
when appropriate management practices are applied.
For exact definition, see: http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/7/657.5
Table 3 -AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE FOCUS AREA (ARFA) SUMMARY
Source: Tompkins County Conservation Plan (April 2010) -Part II -A Strategic Approach to Agricultural Resource
Stewardship -http://www.tompkins-co.org/p1anning/Rural%20Resources/ARFAP1an.htm
DEFINITIONS:
Prime soils -
Soils of Statewide Importance -
37
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The purpose of this review is to identify current zoning strategies that impact agriculture and to identify
options for strengthening farmland protection and minimizing unintended impacts of zoning on
agriculture in the Town of Lansing.
NYS Agriculture and Markets Law (AML), 25 AA, section 305a, Agricultural Districts, provides
farmers and agricultural operations located within state certified agricultural districts specific protections
against local zoning regulation that may be unreasonably restrictive and cause undue interference with
legitimate agricultural practices as defined by state law. Because most farms in the Town of Lansing are
located within a state approved agricultural district (Tompkins County Agricultural District #1), they are
afforded the protections available through Section 305-a.
In 2002, the NYS Legislature amended Town Law Section 283-a to require local governments to ensure
that their laws, ordinances or other regulations that might apply to agricultural operations located in state
certified agricultural districts do not
contravention of Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law, unless it can be shown that the
General questions that municipal officials should ask when assessing the application of zoning
regulations to agriculture include:
1. Do the regulations materially restrict the definition of farm, farming operations or agriculture in a
set forth in AML Sect. 301(11)?
2. Do the regulations materially limit or prohibit the production, preparation or marketing of any
crop, livestock or livestock product?
3. Are certain types of agriculture subject to more intensive review or permitting process than other
types of agriculture?
4. Is any agricultural activity that meets the defini
301(11) subject to special permit, site plan review or other local review standard above ministerial
review, or subject to a more intensive level of review than other uses permitted within the same
zoning district?
5. Are farm operations treated under the local zoning regulations as integrated, interdependent uses
and activities, or as independent, competing uses of the same property?
6. Do the local zoning regulations relegate any farm operations located within a state agricultural
V. Town of Lansing Zoning Ordinance Review and
Recommendations
Prepared by George R. Frantz, Planner/Consultant
CONFORMANCE WITH NYS AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS LAW
" ... unreasonably restrict or regulate farm operations in
public health or safety is threatened. "
manner that conflicts with the definition of "farm operation" as
tion of "farm operation" as set forth in AML Sect.
district to the status "nonconforming use"?
38
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The NYS Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets is empowered to initiate a review of local land use
regulations as they may affect farm operations within a state certified agricultural district, either
independently or upon the request of a farmer or municipal official within said agricultural district. The
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets will review local regulations to assess whether the local law
or ordinance is unreasonably restrictive on its face and whether it is unreasonably restrictive when
applied to a particular situation. The Department must also assess whether the regulated activity poses a
threat to public health or safety.
If the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets determines that a local law or ordinance imposes an
unreasonable burden on farm operations within a State agricultural district, it will notify the
municipality of its findings. The Department will then work with municipal officials to bring the local
regulations in line with Agriculture & Markets Law. If the issue cannot be resolved through negotiation,
the Commissioner is authorized under the law to bring an action against the municipality to enforce the
provisions of Section 305-a.
An important component in any set of zoning regulations is the glossary section containing definitions
of various terms used in the zoning regulations. Because of the nature of zoning, clarity is critical to
ensuring fair and consistent interpretation of the regulations, promoting efficient administration and
positive public perceptions with regard to their local zoning, and inoculating the community against
controversy and in some cases expensive litigation.
There following definitions related to agriculture in the Town Land Use Ordinance warrant revision:
The Town should consider removing the reference to regulations of the NYS Board of Equalization
and Assessment in the definition of farming. Section 503 Schedule 1 does not specifically permit
uses are currently permitted in the Rural Agriculture and Residential-Mixed Use districts. Rather than
separately listing a number of specific farming activities that make up the practice of agriculture, the
Town should use one umbrella term encompassing all activities.
This approach would take into account not merely the specific activities set forth in the various
definitions, but also the multiple structures and subordinate activities that contemporary agriculture
hobby or for personal enjoyment. Farm supply and service providers should also be recognized
activities and enterprises that are integral to supporting agriculture. And marketing should be
understood to include a variety of direct marketing opportunities that bring customers to farms
(agritourism, wineries, farm stands, PYO,
By replacing multiple uses and definitions with one umbrella definition that is more generic, the Town
of Lansing could streamline its zoning regulations, head off possible controversy over defining
Recommended Zoning Changes to Improve Farmland Protection
RECOMMENDATION #1 -REVIEW/REVISE DEFINITIONS
Develop a Comprehensive Definition of Farming
agriculture, but instead lists "Fanning-dairy," "Fanning-poultry," "Farming-livestock." These
such as "agriculture" or "fanning"
encompasses. Such an approach may also eliminate ambiguities, such as whether or not the "growing
of fruits and vegetables ... " includes processing and storing for sale of such commodities, or whether
the "commercial growing of plants ... " in the definition of greenhouses precludes growing plants as a
CSA farms, farm festivals, com mazes, farm B&B's, etc.).
39
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
specific activities, and ensure some flexibility to accommodate the changing nature and increasing
diversity of agriculture.
production, preparation, processing, marketing and transportation of grains, vegetables,
fruit, and other crops, horticultural and floricultural products, animal husbandry (including
horses, llamas and alpacas), livestock and livestock products, aquaculture, apiary products,
forest farming, and farm energy production from sun, wind,
This definition is designed to take into account the numerous activities that may take place on a farm
of any size. It provides a clear and concise definition of what would constitute an agricultural
operation, but provides considerable flexibility that accommodates wide variety of activities generally
agricultural practices. Businesses that exist in support of agricultural enterprises such as suppliers,
processors, trucking companies, veterinarians, loggers, composting operations, and other such services
that farmers need, can also be considered as part of this definition if providing services for the farming
community.
The following types of farming operation should be included in the definition of agriculture and
therefore be treated the same as other farming enterprises under the local land use law.
district. These should be treated consistent with other farming enterprises.
Agriculture & Markets Law Section 305-
the same type of establishment, and which is use permitted in the Rural Agricultural District in the
Town, subject to site plan approval. By adding horse boarding to the agriculture definition, it
avoids the potential for contravention of NYS AML Article 25AAA.
own could consider modifying the
definition to promote the sale of farm products produced within 50 miles of the property where the
roadside stand is located. Roadside stands generally operate from tents, sheds or small buildings
and may be self-serve or staffed and operated on a seasonal basis. Roadside stands should be
understood to be distinct from year round Farm Markets which are permanent building dedicated
to retailing of farm products and perhaps other goods purchased for resale to serve customer needs
and interests. Farm Markets associated with farms for the primary purpose of selling farm raised
products should be permitted under local land use law. For more information see NYS Dept. of
Agriculture & Markets guidance document: Guideline for Review of Direct Marketing activities
(http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/agservices/guidancedocuments/305-aFarmMarket.pdf).
An example of a comprehensive definition of agriculture is:
"The use of land, buildings, structures and equipment, and the practices which support the
manure or biomass crops. "
recognized as being "agriculture" in New York and the constantly evolving nature of agriculture and
Commercial Plant Nursery or Greenhouse
"Commercial plant nursery or greenhouse" is permitted upon site plan approval (Sect. 802 .8), as
are "roadside stands" (Sect. 802.30) and "public stables" (Sect. 802.1) in the Rural Agriculture
Horse Boarding
The Town's definition of agriculture does not include "commercial horse boarding operations ."
These are considered to be "agricultural" activities and benefit from the protections ofNYS
a. There is a definition for "public stable," which covers
Roadside Stand
The current definition provides for the sale of "farm or other products" on a seasonal basis, with no
description of what "other products" may include. The T
40
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
There appears to be one potential conflict between the Town of Lansing Land Use Law and the
provisions of AML Article 25AAA. The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets does not expect
municipalities to grant farmers an exemption from junk accumulation. A number of towns have
modified their existing definitions for junkyard to include language such as
not generated by or used in any ac
not be operational, but are kept for spare parts, etc. Many local regulations governing junkyards do not
exempt
storage on farm and the prohibition of such activities may be considered a contravention of NYS
Agriculture and Markets Law (AML) Section 305-a. This technicality could be resolved with a slight
exception of materials generated by or acquired for use on the farm premises in any ongoing
The modified definition could read:
Junk. Any scrap, waste paper, rags, scrap metal, white goods, junked vehicles and boats or parts
therefrom, reclaimable material or debris, whether or not stored or used in conjunction with
dismantling, processing, salvage, storage, baling, disposal or other use or disposition, with the
exception of materials generated by or acquired for use on the farm premises in any active
agricultural operations
following guidance document:
http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/ap/agservices/guidancedocuments/305-aJunk_Junkyard%20Guidelines.pdf
The Lansing Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan Steering Committee is recommending that the
Town Board consider the creation of a new Agriculture Zoning (AG) district to encompass actively
farmed areas in the northern part of the Town and encompassing high quality soils necessary for
continued viable farming in areas with the least amount of development pressure. This recommendation
would not eliminate the RA zoning district entirely but would reduce it to areas where uses as permitted
in the RA zoning district exist.
Agricultural Zoning (AG) districts can be found in the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Ulysses. The
agricultural zone is to provide conditions for continued agriculture use, maintain open space in
agricultural areas, and support compatible activities and densities while minimizing incompatible uses.
[See the Appendix II for a summary of AG zone provisions from the Town of Ithaca and Ulysses.]
Given the intensity of agriculture in the northern part of Lansing compared to Towns of Ithaca and
Ulysses, it is recommended that the Lansing Town Board take a proactive approach to protecting high
quality soils and active farmland that will enable farming to continue as a viable economic sector in the
Other definitions that wa"ant review -Definition of Junk
" ... and other debris that is
tive agricultural operations on the premises. "
The definitions for "Junk" and "Junkyard" do not exempt farm equipment and other items that may
farm 'junk piles" or a collection of inoperable equipment or vehicles that can be found on the
typical farm. The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets recognizes the need for some "junk"
modification to the definition of "junk" by the addition at the end of the following language: "with the
agricultural operations. "
"
"
Further information pertaining to the State's perspectives on "junk" can be found in the
RECOMMENDATION # 2 -AG ZONING DISTRICT
intent of the agricultural zoning district in Ulysses is to protect the town's agricultural resources
including viable agricultural operations and high quality soils. The Town oflthaca's goals for their
41
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
town. Creating an AG zoning district that designates agriculture as the primary use is a necessary step
toward achieving a higher level of farmland protection than is currently provided by the RA zoning
district. Further it would reduce ambiguity given many permitted uses in the RA zone.
By designating an AG Zoning district, greater emphasis is given to the continuation of farming and
development of compatible non-farm uses thereby reducing scattered rural sprawl, farmer-neighbor
conflicts, and it will help direct development to the Town Center area making sewer development and
water service expansion more feasible.
Specific land uses deemed most and least compatible with agriculture should be further discussed with
the farm community as a whole and with rural residents living within the proposed Agriculture Zone at
such time when the Planning Board and Town Board consider this proposed zoning change.
In addition to residential and agricultural uses the Town of Lansing Land Use Law permits a number of
other land uses within the current RA zoning district. Uses in the current RA zoning district that are less
compatible with farming that might be excluded from the AG zone include: industrial and commercial
land uses that require substantial amounts of level land and thus can compete with farmers for valuable
agricultural land, particularly those with higher quality agricultural soils; as well as, nursing homes,
multi-family housing, hotels, restaurants and health care facilities, that can be adversely affected by the
noise, dust and odors associated with farming operations.
Map 10 -Proposed Boundaries for AG Zoning District
Town of Lansing , N.Y.
Zoning
Recommended Changes June 2015
Zoning Districts
-Commercial Mixed Use (81 )
D Commercial (82)
Industrial/Research (IR)
-Lakeshore (L1 )
D Residential -Low Density (R 1)
D Residential -Moderate Den sity (R2)
D Residential -Mixed Use (R3)
Rural Agricultura l (RA)
-Agricultu re (AG)
Source : Tompkins Coun ty Plan ning Dept
Town of Lansing Zoning Ordinance 2003
Tompkins Coun1y Assessment 2012 , 20 1 ◄
Agriculture
+
Tax Parcels 2014
D Municipal Boundaries
Cayuga Lake
Land in Agricultural Use
Protected Agricultural Land
Leased Farmland 8,570 acres
Farmed by Owner 8,472 acres
RA
05 0 1 __ .,, __ ..,. ____ _
42
Land Uses Most
Compatible with
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
There are a number of businesses, including several in existence in the proposed Agricultural zoning
district that would be grandfathered in the new district.
The following businesses would be most compatible in an AG Zoning district.
The list of permitted commercial and industrial uses in the new AG
rvices, farm
equipment and supplies, processing, and marketing functions and may be owned or operated by farmers
or agri-support entrepreneurs. Such enterprises provide local jobs and keep dollars circulating in the
local economy.
Many farm operations have side businesses that supplement the income of the overall agricultural
provides the farm community with the opportunity to supplement income from farm operations on a
smaller scale that would not compete for land or introduce potentially incompatible uses.
Agricultural commercial enterprises and cottage industry or rural enterprises, however, could be much
larger, employ persons not living on the premises, and also include retail and wholesale services to the
general public. Examples of agricultural commercial businesses would be farm equipment dealerships,
seed, grain, hay, straw and fertilizer sales, repair services, building, excavating and other contracting
services and trucking services.
agricultural production, including structures, agricultural equipment and agricultural
equipment parts, batteries and tires, livestock, feed, seed, fertilizer and equipment repairs, or
providing for wholesale or retail sale of grain, fruit, produce, trees, shrubs, flowers or other
is a growing and important component of an overall direct marketing strategy for an
active agricultural operation or farm market, and is an important source of supplemental income for
farms. The Town of Lansing zoning regulations do not explicitly permit such activities in the current
Rural Agricultural zoning district. Such uses should be defined in a manner that accurately describes
the activities envisioned as part of an agri-tourism enterprise, protects the town from unanticipated
ones, and permits some flexibility in interpretation. An example of a definition for agri-tourism is:
Recreational, educational and entertainment activities operated in conjunction with and as part
of an overall direct marketing strategy for an active agricultural operation or farm market that
contribute to the production, preparation and marketing of crops, livestock and livestock
products, and including activities such as petting zoos, hayrides, corn mazes, festivals, farm
tours, farm lodging, farm wineries, farm restaurants, and other such recreational activities,
educational demonstrations, and the onsite preparation, processing and sale of foods prepared
from local farm products for consumption on site and off site.
Agricultural Commerce.
zoning district should explicitly include and encourage "agribusiness," "agricultural enterprises", or
"agricultural commercial" for the purpose of zoning. Such businesses may include farm se
operation. The Town of Lansing already permits "home occupations." The home occupation concept
In the Town of Ulysses such businesses are referred to as "agricultural commerce" and defined as:
"A retail or wholesale enterprise providing services or products principally utilized in
products of agricultural operations. "
Agri-tourism
43
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Agri-tourism operations are designed to attract the general public. They also have the potential to grow
into major businesses that may attract large numbers of people and traffic, particularly for occasional
special events. Site plan approval is a mechanism by which a municipality can ensure that the health
and safety of the general public and patrons of such businesses are protected; ensure that adequate
facilities for parking and safe ingress and egress from public highways are provided, and that potential
adverse impacts of such businesses or large events are mitigated. The Town of Lansing may wish to
require site plan approval for agri-tourism.
The NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets offers a Guideline for Review of Direct Marketing
activities (http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/agservices/guidancedocuments/305-aFarmMarket.pdf).
Generally permanent year-round retail operations that sell agricultural products,
baked goods, and other foodstuffs, and operated as part of an overall farm enterprise. Handicrafts and
other agriculture-related products could also be sold. Although they can provide an outlet for
agricultural products grown on the host farm, because of their size and because they may be year-round
operations, some of the products sold at a farm market may not be produced on the farm premises.
Another type of business suitable in the Agriculture Z
-tourism, these are small-scale business enterprises
operated by rural residents, but are not necessarily linked to the agricultural economy. They provide
employment to rural residents and services to rural areas, but maintain a scale in character with the rural
nature of the Agricultural Zoning district.
A rural enterprise would be a small-scale business operated by a resident of the premises. The business
could be a service or small-scale craft or industrial enterprise. Key attributes of these types of
businesses are that they are operated by a resident; and their size and scale limited by the number of
employees permitted. An example of a definition for rural enterprises is:
A manufacturing, construction or service enterprise owned and operated by a resident of the
principal dwelling on a lot, but which does not employ more than ten (10) persons on site not
residing on the premises.
Types of businesses that are envisioned under the above definition include small contractors,
woodworking, metalworking and other craft manufacturing, small auto repair and body shops, small
craft bakeries and food processors. They may also include businesses such as bed-and-breakfast inns or
other types of small-scale lodging establishments that take advantage of and are compatible with the
rural character of the Agricultural Zoning district. In many case such businesses can occupy surplus
farm buildings. Their size would be controlled by a limit on the number of employees not living on the
premises. Such businesses should be subject to site plan approval.
Although permitted under Sect. 503, Schedule I, the zoning regulations do not provide
a definition of what constitutes a wind energy source, and what distinguishes commercial or residential
scale systems. Such systems also require site plan approval. The Town of Lansing should consider
permitting small-scale wind energy systems as a permitted use, without site plan approval, subject to
specific design and setback requirements, for residential and agricultural operations. Such systems can
Farm Markets.
Rural Enterprises. one would be "rural
enterprises." Unlike the agribusinesses or agri
Wind Energy.
44
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
be distinguished from large scale commercial systems by limiting their size to 10 KW. These smaller
units are large enough to serve a typical home, and 2 to 3 can serve a moderate size dairy operation.
Key standards for the design and placement of wind energy sources include limits on generating
capacity, height, turbine blade length, setbacks from buildings and property lines, color and number
permitted. Where a farm operation may warrant more than one turbine, the number can be controlled by
tying the number permitted to the number of acres on the parcel of land. (e.g. one turbine unit for each
10 acres). Although concerns about visual impact have been expressed, these smaller systems generally
recede into the background at distances beyond 500 feet, and within 500 feet can be screened from
public roads by existing buildings, trees and other vegetation.
Additional guidance is provided by NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets at:
http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/agservices/guidancedocuments/Guidelines_for_Solar_and_Small_Wind_Energy_Facilities.pdf
provide similar renewable energy generation opportunities. Restricting arrays on
prime soils in active agriculture areas may be appropriate. However, with proper citing, arrays can offer
energy savings for farming operations and rural residents. Certain types of farming, for example, grazing
by sheep or goats, are potentially compatible with solar fields.
Solar Arrays
45
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
A future vision of agriculture and its contribution to the Town of Lansing
Agriculture has a significant impact on the Town of Lansing economy and land use. High quality soils
and land suitable for farming is a unique resource protected through policies that direct development
away from prime farmlands. Supportive town policies and broad community support for agriculture
create a climate where farming remains feasible and viable. A diversity of full and part-time operations
will produce dairy, livestock, feed crops, local foods, horticultural crops, renewable energy resources,
and other agricultural products marketed locally and through conventional agricultural marketing
economy. Farming practices protect soil, environmental quality, natural resources, and provide scenic
working landscapes that preserve the rural character and enhance the quality of life of our community.
(as required by NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets)
A.Town of Lansing farm lands in NYS Agriculture District #1. Ensure that the Town Board,
planning and zoning board and relevant staff are informed and aware of NYS Agriculture District
Law and its implications for local laws that may be overly restrictive to farming.
B.Create a new AG zone to encompass the majority of agricultural areas of north Lansing.
Boundaries of new Ag zone: all agricultural areas north of NYS Route 34B. The area from 34B to
Buck Rd. is considered as being under development pressure and transitioning to residential/rural
agriculture.
South Lansing agriculture includes a mix of open hay fields and would be most appropriate for
small scale consumer oriented agriculture given proximity to residents; larger scale animal
agriculture would not be appropriate in this area. We propose no changes be made in this part of
C.Consider options and seek opportunities for securing and protecting key farmlands for
continued and permanent agriculture use.
1) Support farmers that are interested in seeking conservation easements on their properties via
the NYS Farmland Protection Program. Work with Tompkins County Planning Department
and the AFPB in the application process.
2) Continue to work with NYSEG/AES and future owners of this property if sold, to ensure that
the portions of this parcel that is currently farmed remain available to rent.
VI. Town of Lansing Agriculture & Farmland Protection
Recommendations
VISION STATEMENT
channels. The town's farms provide a variety of job opportunities and thereby strengthen the local
Plan Components
I. Location of areas/land recommended for protection for agricultural use
RECOMMENDATIONS
the town's zoning district and that agriculture be allowed to continue along with other uses.
46
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
A change in zoning from RA to AG in North Lansing will provide broader recognition and protection
for farming by giving priority to agricultural uses and restricting uses that are not compatible with
agriculture. By protecting agriculture in North Lansing and encouraging development in South Lansing,
the town will preserve economic activity generated by farming enterprises including $20 million dollars
in product sales and jobs for at least 100 people. In addition to the economic contribution of agriculture,
it is important to recognize the value of high quality soils that are not replaceable once developed.
Farming is viable in Lansing because of its high quality soils.
Given the amount prime soil and
soil of statewide significance in the Town of Lansing that is desirable and necessary for farming and
food production it would be a significant loss to the future of farming and food production in the town,
county and region if this resource were lost. Soils cannot be replaced once lost due to construction when
the landscape is carved up with infrastructure and buildings.
Rural sprawl including housing and business developments make it
harder for farmers to farm efficiently and thereby increases the cost of doing business. Fragmentation
has been shown to lead to the impermanence of farming. Farm operations need land to operate and the
farther they must go to find farm land the more challenging it becomes as they travel from field to field
and work around developed areas.
Farms in the Town of Lansing provide full or
significant part time jobs for approximately 40 owner/operators and their family members. Hired labor
on farms is generally part-time and seasonal providing approximately 60 jobs. Hispanic workers have
become the dominant labor force on at least 3 town dairy farms (approx. 15 workers total). Hispanic
workers along with other local employees live here, shop locally, and contribute to our community.
Having a concentration of farming in one area
makes it more economical for suppliers and other support businesses to provide services to farmers.
Farmers rely on a range of services including veterinary services, seed and feed suppliers, crop
consultants, trucking, vehicle maintenance, accounting, and other such business. Given the scope of the
farming in the town, there is potential for more farm support and supply business development.
Farms in the Town of Lansing generate approximately $20 million
dollars in dairy, crop and related agricultural sales. $17 million in sales is generated by the dairy
industry alone. Total agriculture product sales in the county is $67 million (2012 USDA Census of
Agriculture), therefore, Lansing farms are significant in the overall Tompkins County farm economy.
Over 16,000 acres of
land in the town or slightly over one-third of the land area of the town is associated with agriculture. An
as being in vegetative c
the Town of Lansing are associated with farms. The rural character of the northern part of the town will
II. Value of Land to be protected
Ill. Consequences of Farmland Conversion
Loss of high quality soils for farm and food production -
Fragmentation of farmland -
Loss of farm jobs and employment sector -
Loss of supply services-support businesses -
Loss of economic activity -
Loss of open space/scenic views/UNA's associated with farms.-
additional 13 % of the town's land is classified (Tompkins County Land Use Land Cover Survey, 2012)
over, some of which may also be associated with farms . Most of the UNA's in
47
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
change significantly if agriculture is no longer a dominant factor in contributing to scenic views and
open space. These are attributes that also benefit rural tourism development.
Rural sprawl is already a reality in the town. During the past 20 year
period housing development outside the village grew 33.9% compared to 9% within the village. As the
village has become built out, more housing is moving into rural areas, impacting farming operations, but
also creating a demand for more town services that are less efficient and more costly to deliver over
larger areas.
A 1995 Cost of Community Services
Study prepared by Cooperative Extension and the Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection
Board compared the cost of services demanded by 3 sectors: residential, industrial and agriculture
compared to revenues contributed for services. For the Town of Lansing, the ratio of tax dollars
generated compared to town expenditures was 1 to 1.56 for residential; and for both
industrial/commercial and agriculture the ratio was 1 to .16, meaning that for every tax dollar from
residential $1.56 is demanded in services while both agriculture and industrial/commercial receive only
16 cents in services for each dollar paid in taxes. Consequently, the loss of agricultural land to
residential development will result in increased demand for services and result in higher taxes overall.
This type of study has been repeated by American Farmland Trust in many communities, with similar
overall findings.
Development in the Town of Lansing has been steady expanding from south to north. It is anticipating
that the following trends will continue to impact the farming community.
in the Town of Lansing grew at a rate double that of county from 1940-1990. From 1990
to 2000 town population increased from 9,296 to 10,521 for a 13.18% increase. This was the largest
increase of any town in the county and more than that of the City of Ithaca. County population during
the same period only grew by 2.55%. From 2000 to 2010 the town population grew half the rate of the
previous 10 year period at a rate of 4.87% while the rate of population increase for the county overall
was 5.25% at the same time.
has been most active in the Village of Lansing but as the village has
become more built-out, there has been an increase in suburban-style scattered development in the form
of single-family homes in areas beyond the village, generally south and southwest of 34 and 34B, in
areas with lake views, and along rural routes. From 1990 to 2010 there were 995 new housing
units/dwellings added to the town. This represents a 24% increase in the number of dwelling units in the
town. Of this number, 846 units or 85% were built outside the Village of Lansing. The housing stock in
the Town of Lansing is of higher median value than in other parts of the county. This drives up the
value of land for housing and the value of land in general. This is reflected by higher land prices in both
suburban and rural areas of the town compared to other towns in the county.
- concentrated in the Village of Lansing and near the airport provides jobs
and consequently increased demand for nearby housing.
Increased rural sprawl_-
Higher taxes and increased demand for services -
IV. Level of Development Pressure
Population
Housing development
Business development
48
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
the Town Center proposal for the intersection of Rt. 34/34B is supported by farmers
but is also of concern in that it borders agricultural areas to the north. The proximity of an area of mixed
use housing, retail, business, and recreational use will draw more traffic into rural/agricultural areas and
has the potential to drive more rural housing sprawl into agricultural areas.
farmers have noted increased car traffic traveling at higher speeds on rural roads. With
more housing along rural roads, and more drivers, there is concern that fast moving cars and slow
moving farm equipment especially during spring planting and fall harvest season pose increased safety
concerns.
farmers are concerned about the compatibility of rural development with
farming operations. Given that fewer people are familiar with farming operations and activities, there is
the potential for misunderstanding farming practices and for trespass and injury associated with
unlawful trespass. The need to educate non-farm neighbors places an additional burden on farmers.
- poses several problems beyond non-farm neighbor conflicts and traffic on rural roads.
Farming operations are generally less efficient when they operate fields over a larger area interspersed
by housing. There are increased costs associated with moving equipment, fuel, and growing crops on
smaller fields instead of larger contiguous farm fields. Additionally, rural sprawl results in demand for
services from residences that are not cost effective to deliver over larger areas.
Farmers feel the encroachment of development in north Lansing farming areas and it is of concern to
them. There is documented rural housing growth outside of the Village of Lansing which is likely to
continue as a trend. Horticulture businesses and small scale farming oriented at direct marketing can
benefit from urban/suburban growth if residents place a value on buying products from local businesses.
Larger scale farms are concerned about the proximity of non-farming neighbors unfamiliar with typical
farming activities. More cars and people in rural areas increase the need to educate rural residents about
road safety and trespass issues.
Development opportunities will also impact what residents who own land and currently rent to farmers
will do in the future. Farmers are concerned about access to rented land. For some farmers who rent the
majority of the land they farm, it could mean the end of their farming operation because there is little
other land available to rent or buy. While many rural landowners indicate they prefer that their land is
farmed, high taxes and development opportunities are likely to impact future decisions to rent land to
farmers.
Town Center -
Rural roads -
Non-farm neighbors -
Rural sprawl
V. Development Impacts
49
Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
The Agriculture Plan for the Town of Lansing serves as a guidance document for Town officials to
consider for the protection of valuable agricultural lands, in particular those with high quality soils that
occupy the northern area of the town, and serves as a reference for planning and agricultural economic
development.
The recommendations in this plan reflect current conditions and therefore, in order to remain relevant,
the plan will require that changes in agriculture and the community over time be monitored.
define membership, describe duties/charge/mission, establish a regular
meeting schedule
It is recommended that the committee be comprised of at least 5 active farmers, a liaison from the Town
Board, a liaison from the Planning Board, Town staff (zoning or planning), and at least 1 rural non-
farmer landowner. Farm owners may include: dairy, livestock including horses, field crops, fruits,
vegetables, Christmas trees, and other enterprises as defined as agriculture in this document. Liaisons
may include representatives from agricultural organizations such as Cornell Cooperative Extension
Tompkins County or the Tompkins County Soil & Water District or other such person as deemed
relevant to furthering the work of the committee.
It is recommended that the main function of the committee be to ensure a means for implementation of
the agriculture plan; to prioritize recommendations and set a course for moving forward with plan
components; to review and update the plan periodically; to review site plans for proposed developments
and to assess and provide input on their impact on agriculture; to provide input to the County
Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board on matters pertaining to the Agriculture District; and to host
at least one annual farm community meeting to listen to concerns and needs. Additional suggestions for
committee roles can be found in the appendix.
1) Recruit farmers to serve on Town Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Conservation
Committee, others as appropriate
2) Encourage farmers to run for Town Board
1) Create a new Ag Zone in the predominantly agricultural area of north Lansing
2) Revisit the definition of agriculture in the current zoning document and consider revising it
to reflect current farming activities and to be consistent with NYS Agriculture & Market
Law 305a (as per recommendations on page xx of this report).
3) Continue to remain informed about the status of the NYSEG/AES land so that land currently
rented by a farmer is available to farm after sale to a new owner, in particular if the owner is
NYS DEC.
IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
PRIORITY ACTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Form a Town Agriculture Committee
Appoint committee -
Set the committee charge
B. Encourage farmers to be active on Town boards/committees
C. Prioritize the following recommendations
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
4) Identify high priority area/parcels for State Farmland Protection funding to purchase
permanent agricultural easements on farm land that is high quality and that serves as a
buffer to protect other active farming areas of the town. Establish criteria for identifying
such parcels and actively reach out to landowners to assess interest in selling agricultural
easements.
5) Identify agriculture economic development needs and opportunities and make farmers aware
of such opportunities to grow their farming enterprises.
6) Prioritize the goals and strategies found within the following chart that follows.
The following chart is based on input from the farming community on ways to strengthen agriculture.
The recommendations provide ideas and opportunities for consideration by the Town Agriculture
Committee and Town Board as they move forward with plan implementation. The planning
committee has assigned High, Medium or Low priority to the recommendations and recognizes that
the Town will want to partner with other agencies and organizations to move forward with some of
these recommendations. It is anticipated that some recommendations are more feasible than others and
that not all will be implemented. It is also anticipated that new priorities will emerge over time that
will be addressed by the Town Agriculture Committee.
1) Provide input and recommendations as needed.
2) Host public hearing.
3) Town Board approval.
4) Forward to Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board for review.
5) Submit final plan to NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets for approval.
D. Goals and strategies to preserve farming and promote agriculture
E. Plan adoption
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Town of Lansing Agriculture & Farmland Protection Plan Implementation Chart
Goals and Strategies to Preserve Farmland and Promote Agriculture
INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF AGRICULTURE'S BENEFITS
Recommendation Implementation Actors
Goal 1 -Increase general agriculture awareness and support for the Town's agriculture industry
Town Right to Farm Law & State Ag District Law -education HIGH -short term
1-a & outreach lyr TOL AC; CCETC
Strengthen real estate property disclosure in Ag Districts TOL AC; CCETC; Board
(part of Ag District Law) HIGH -Ongoing Realtors
Town website information about farming in the Town; HIGH -short term
1-b Town newsletter articles lyr TOL;CCETC
Promote farm direct marketers and encourage residents to HIGH -short term Farm retailers; TOL;
1-c buy local lyr CCETC
Road signage denoting when entering farming areas/ag MEDIUM -short
1-d zone term 2yr TOLHD
Data gathering about farming in town -economic impact,
1-e trends MEDIUM -Ongoing TOL;CCETC
Farm tours for Town officials, school staff, farm neighbors,
1-f youth, public MEDIUM -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
Classroom Education about farming/4-H ag clubs/
1-g Community & School gardens MEDIUM -Ongoing LCSD; TOL AC; CCETC
CREATE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR FARMING
Recommendation Implementation Actors
Goal 1 -Infrastructure/policies important to farming
1-a Maintenance of roads & bridges -for heavy ag vehicles HIGH -Ongoing TOLHD
HIGH -short term
1-b Access to high speed internet lyr TOL
Review traffic/speed limits/signage in agriculture areas to TOL HD; Tompkins
1-c improve safety MEDIUM -Ongoing County
1-d Trespass control MEDIUM -Ongoing TC Sheriff
1-e Public utilities -municipal electric (wind, solar, hydro) MEDIUM -long term TOL
Policies that enable farm-based renewable energy MEDIUM -short
1-f development term TOL
Goal 2 -Limit non-farm development in agricultural areas
2-a County Agriculture District Law provisions/protection HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC/TC AFPB
2-b Limit water & sewer extension into agricultural areas HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC/TC AFPB
Avoid development of prime and soils of statewide
2-c sign ifica nee HIGH -Ongoing TOL/PB; TOL AC
Create a new Agriculture Zoning district in dominant ag HIGH -short term
2-d areas lyr TOL/PB; TOL AC
Goal 3-Create incentives to direct development away from agricultural areas
3-a Sewer development-South Lansing/Town Center Ongoing TOL
3-b Infill-density in South Lansing/Town Center (consider TDR) HIGH -Ongoing TOL/PB
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
TOL/PB; Better
3-c Affordable housing in South Lansing/Town Center HIGH -Ongoing Housing TC
Ensure stormwater regulations are followed to avoid farm
3-d field damage HIGH -Ongoing TOL/Zoning
Cost of services increases with scattered development -
3-e educate officials MEDIUM -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
Goal 4 -Tax policies that make owning farmland affordable
Explore Town tax abatement through short term TOL AC; County
4-a easements to keep land in ag LOW-3-5 yrs Assessment
Ensure fair farm property valuation practices by county TOL AC; County
4-b assessment MEDIUM -Ongoing Assessment
Recommend to State to cap Agricultural Ceiling Value HIGH -short term
4-c increases & update formula lyr TOL AC; Farm Bureau
Educate farmers/rural landowners about Ag Assessment if
4-e not receiving HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
Educate farmers about NYS Farmers School Tax Credit if
4-f not receiving HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE BEST FARMLAND AND ENCOURAGE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Recommendation Implementation Actors
Goal 1 -Promote land stewardship to protect soil, water and environmental quality
1-a Encourage sustainable soil building farming practices HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC; SWCD
Encourage farms to adopt/ follow nutrient management
1-b plans HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC; SWCD
Make farmers aware of programs and funding to protect
1-c environmental quality HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC; SWCD
Goal 2 -Protect the best land for farming
Investigate options for short term easements (Lease Dev TOL AC; CCETC;
2-a Rights) MEDIUM -mid-term COUNTY PLD
TOL AC; County
2-b Support town farmer applications for State PDR funding HIGH -Ongoing Planning
Town co-hold easements on farms awarded State PDR
2-c funding LOW-future TOL
2-d Investigate Town PDR program and means to fund LOW-future TOL
Educate landowners about benefits of renting/selling to
2-e town farmers HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
FARM FRIENDLY ZONING
Recommendation Implementation Actors
Goal 1 -Create an Agricultural zoning district that gives priority to farming and related enterprises
Change most of the current RA district in North Lansing to a HIGH -short term
1-a new AG zone lyr TOL; Planning/Zoning
Zoning laws should continue to permit ag commerce and HIGH -short term
1-b related enterprises lyr TOL; Planning/Zoning
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
Allow smaller ag enterprises in R3, RA, and Ag zones (farm
1-c markets, ag tourism) HIGH -Short term TOL; Planning/Zoning
Ensure town staff (code/planning) are familiar with NYS Ag
1-d District Law HIGH -Short term TOL; Planning/Zoning
Ensure local zoning is not in conflict with NYS Ag District
1-e Law HIGH -Ongoing TOL; Planning/Zoning
Investigate zoning to cluster housing on poorer soil and
1-f maintain open farm land MEDIUM -mid-term TOL; Planning/Zoning
Require developers to maintain buffer between housing &
1-g farmland in ag zone HIGH -short term TOL; Planning/Zoning
Link Agriculture Plan with Comprehensive Plan ensuring HIGH -short term TOL: Comp plan
1-h common goals are met lyr committee
STRENGTHEN THE FARM ECONOMY AND FUTURE VIABILITY OF FARMING
Recommendation Implementation Actors
Goal 1 -Strengthen the Farm Economy, Farm Viability and Agricultural Economic Development
1-a Deer management -list of hunters/places to hunt HIGH -Ongoing TOLAC; DEC
Farm energy conservation and renewable energy
1-b development MEDIUM TOLAC
1-c Promote farm direct marketing opportunities and options MEDIUM TOLAC
1-d Timber Sales based on forest management plans HIGH -Ongoing TOLAC; DEC
Landowner coalition to inform farmers about gas leasing TOL AC; DEC; CCETC;
1-e decisions/options HiGH -Ongoing FB
Goal 2-Encourage new farming enterprises -promote new opportunities
Identify organic farming, specialty crop, niche marketing
2-a opportunities MEDIUM -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
Encourage cooperative ventures among farmers to reduce MEDIUM -based on
2-b cost/secure markets demand TOL AC; CCETC
Cooperative infrastructure (processing, marketing, MEDIUM -based on
2-c storage, equipment, etc.) demand TOL AC; CCETC
MEDIUM -based on
2-d Link local farms and the Lansing School District demand TOL AC; CCETC
MEDIUM -based on
2-e More local food production for local consumption demand TOL AC; CCETC
Grants & funding info for new business development (info MEDIUM -short
2-f on Town website) term TOL AC; CCETC
2-g USDA slaughter facility space availability MEDIUM -Ongoing CCETC
Goal 3 -Future Farmers/Farm Labor
Increase high school student/guidance counselor
3-a awareness of farm careers HIGH -short term TOLAC; LCSD
3-b High school training/internship programs HIGH -short term TOLAC; LCSD
3-c Farm Business transfer information/education HIGH -Ongoing TOL AC; CCETC
3-d Farm job posting on Town website MEDIUM -mid-term TOLAC
TOL AC; CU Migrant
3-e Hispanic families -future on farms/in community MEDIUM -Ongoing Program
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Town of Lansing AGRICULTURE AND FARMLAND PROTECTION PLAN
List of abbreviations
TOL -Town of Lansing; AC -Ag committee; HD -Highway
Dept.
CCETC -Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County -
Agriculture Program
TCSWCD -Tompkins County Soil & Water District
LCSD -Lansing Central School District
FB -Farm Bureau
DEC -NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
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