New York Agricultural Land Trust (NYALT)

April 28, 2010. “I have been waiting for this day to come for a long time,” stated D. Fletcher Ross of Fleming. “I’ve lived here in Cayuga County my whole life, and the preservation of this farm is very important to me. This community will now be assured that the prime farmland and view of the lake that this land provides will always be here. I wanted to make sure that my family’s “home farm” would be conserved for future farmers—and today, it was.”

Fruithurst Farm overlooks the iconic red barn on the shores of Owasco Lake, that was once used as the model for the Land O’Lakes butter logo. Mr. Ross, retired owner of Fruithurst Farm, was talking about the farmland conservation project that was completed this week in partnership with the New York Agricultural Land Trust (NYALT). Conserving the farm will help protect the lake as part of its watershed.

Local support for farmland protection is steadily growing, with farmers recognizing that it can be very helpful in transferring the land to the next generation, reducing estate taxes, and facilitating long-term investments.

Members of the Cayuga County Farmland Protection Board had nominated the farm for protection as part of the New York State Farmland Protection Program. Geoff Milz, the county’s planner assigned to the project, provided technical assistance needed to complete the project. “The County recognizes how important farmland protection is to our quality of life, clean air and water, and long-term ability to

keep our taxes down” stated Mr. Milz.

“We have a strong working partnership with the New York Agricultural Land Trust,” commented Steve Lynch, Cayuga County’s Director, Cayuga County Planning and Economic Development. “The County provides a range of technical services and planning support, and the land trust provides the assistance to help the farmer complete a rather long and technical process of conserving their land.”

“The New York Agricultural Land Trust’s efforts are vital to helping our farmers preserve land to be used as working farms for generations to come,” stated Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, who has been a long-time supporter of NYALT’s efforts. "This funding will keep this 100-acre crop farm free from development and I know more farmers are counting on the land trust to assist them in navigating the state’s farmland protection process. It takes a great deal of time and skill to make sure these projects are done right.”

In addition to direct farming and forestry work, Mr. Ross (or future landowners) can establish home-based businesses, alternative energy production, and farm-related businesses pursuant to the terms of the conservation agreement and in compliance with local zoning.

Jim and Marcia Masters, of Onondaga County, conserved their beautiful 247-acre family farm in the fall of 2009. Marcia grew up on the farm, and Jim and Marcia have milked cows there for the past 38 years.

“Our kids wanted to know that all their hard work while growing up would be honored in the long-term. They supported our desire to conserve the farm,” noted Marcia.

“We have photographs of my family who have lived here for generations. Every Christmas the farm comes alive with the sounds of kids sledding and the smells of baking from the kitchen. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

The Masters conserved their farm with a farmland protection grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture. The state program covered 75% of the project costs and related non-farm development rights (see Appraisal Section on this website). NYALT holds the agricultural easement, and as is the case for all of our easements, the Masters continue to own the property.

Now, thanks to the leadership of the Masters, this farm will be around for generations to come, and the Masters have taken a giant step forward to ensure that this farmland will be part of the community in the future.

Three more farms about to be conserved: families are depending on us

Over the next couple of months, the New York Agricultural Land Trust (NYALT) will assist three other farm families to conserve their land.

Like the Masters, the farmers have long-wished to conserve their land but needed the assistance of NYALT to make it possible.

These farms, which have often been in the family for generations, span hundreds of acres of some of New York’s best agricultural land.

NYALT understands that these farmers are depending on us to conserve their land. We must be there, to answer questions, prepare the necessary documents and maps, and assist in navigating the state’s farmland protection grant. It takes time, a lot of time, and with your support, we can make these projects a reality.