Land Use Issues & Policy

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According to USDA statistics, the total cropland acreage has remained constant over the past 100 years, but marginal or less productive cropland shifts in and out of production due to economic conditions.

Marginal land is generally more environmentally sensitive to wind and water erosion and nutrient losses. There is a potential that agricultural and conservation policies affecting land use may have greater effects on the environment than on agricultural production.

Cornell Resources

Land Use and Landscape Management

Natural Gas Resource Center

Additional Resources

Land Use Leadership Alliance (LULA)

A collaborative effort between CaRDI and Pace University to build the capacity for change and promote land-use innovation. Training for land owners, agricultural producers and local officials.

Agricultural Districts

Farmer Benefits and Protection from the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Agricultural District Law

Policy for local government & farmers from the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets.

American Farmland Trust (AFT)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the nation's strategic agricultural resources.

AFT in New York State

Amber Waves: The Economics of Food, Farming, Natural Resources and Rural America

A USDA publication.

New York Planning Federation

Promotes sound planning, land use and zoning practices in New York State so that orderly growth and development may occur balanced with necessary resource conservation.