Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plans

Ulster County is updating its agricultural and farmland protection plan.  The survey for this project closed on December 1, 2023. 

The Draft Plan is available for public comment. Please provide comments no later than January 31st, 2025, in the feedback box at the bottom of the Participate Ulster Site or by emailing Burt Samuelson.

Much has changed since the last Ulster County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan was adopted in 1997.  Local development pressures, various macroeconomic trends, and more major storms are having an impact on agriculture in the County.    The updated Plan will focus on understanding the current needs of farming and farm-related businesses in Ulster County and devise strategies to increase the economic viability of the agricultural industry, encourage farmland protection, and increase public interest and awareness of the importance of agriculture in Ulster County.

                  
 
 
 
 
 
A survey of farmers, members of the public not involved in farming, and those who rent land to farmers was conducted from late summer into late fall of 2023.  This survey is part of the development of the updated Plan. 
 
A summary of the survey results organized by general categories can be downloaded here.
 
A summary of the survey results organized by questions asked can be downloaded here.
 
Themes from the 2023 survey results can be dowmloaded here.
 
More information about the project can be found at https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/ag-protection-plan
 

vegetable field

County Plan from 1997

The Ulster County Legislature formally adopted the Ulster County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan by resolution on September 11, 1997.

Local Plans