Beginning in 1974, Suffolk County enacted a series of laws, now codified as Chapter 8 of the Suffolk County Code, which sought to preserve agricultural lands. In exchange for paying an owner for the development rights of his/her farmland, the owner agreed to a covenant restricting the land to agricultural or open space. Between 1974
Renewable Energy – It’s Not Just Blowing In The Wind
New York State is actively promoting the development and implementation of renewable energy sources. New York State’s 2015 Energy Plan has a goal of 50% of power coming from renewable sources by 2030.
Clean Energy Standard
Late last year, the Governor directed the New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS) to develop a Clean
Suffolk County’s New Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan
In December 2015, Suffolk County adopted an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan. The previous plan was adopted twenty years ago. This new plan discusses the current state of agriculture, sets goals for the future and provides recommendations to increase competitiveness and resiliency. Here are some highlights from the 2015 Plan.
Fun Facts
Did you
Marketing Activities of Vineyards: When Do Local Zoning Laws Apply?
With an increase in the number of vineyards marketing themselves as venues for wedding receptions and special events, local governments across New York State have begun enacting legislation aimed at curtailing the marketing activities of vineyards, indicating that they are seeking to protect the health and safety of their communities. 
Some towns and villages now
Couple’s Dream of a Family Winery Crushed by Zoning Board Decision
A Southold couple’s dream to build a winery and continue operating a tasting room at their Old North Road residence seems all but lost after a recent ruling of the Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals. The Town Zoning Board denied their requests for variances that would allow the winery and tasting room to operate
Harsh Winter Allows New York Wineries to Use Out-of-State Grapes
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or the first time since 2005, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is allowing New York wineries to produce wines with grapes grown out-of-state.
The move comes after New York suffered through one of the harshest winters in recent memory, which resulted in wide scale damage to vines and resulted in
Time Running Out to Apply for Funding From the USDA
There is still time to apply for funding through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, but not much.
The Program was designed to provide financial support to farms and farmers who produce specialty crops, i.e., grapes, hops, etc… Approximately $66 million in funding is available nationwide with $1.4 million earmarked