Farmland protection grant support for Oechsner Farms
Tompkins County
Summary
The committee recommended $2,500 to help the New York Agricultural Land Trust apply for a state grant to permanently protect 131 acres of Oechsner Farms — a top-ranked regenerative wheat farm supplying local flour. Farmers get paid for development rights; the land stays farmland forever.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
A one-time $2,500 hit to the contingent fund; if this recurs, staff suggest adding it to the planning department budget.
Oechsner Farms, its farm-transition successor, and residents who value local farmland, local flour, and the regional food system.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Budget, Capital, and Personnel Committee - Regular Meeting — August 10, 2026
A $2,500 county contribution helps the New York Agricultural Land Trust apply for state grant funds to permanently protect 131 acres of the 1,200-acre Oechsner Farms in Newfield and Enfield with an agricultural conservation easement — keeping prime farmland from ever being developed.
Planning, Energy, and Environmental Quality Committee - Regular Meeting — August 6, 2026
The committee recommended $2,500 to help the New York Agricultural Land Trust apply for a state grant to permanently protect 131 acres of Oechsner Farms — a top-ranked regenerative wheat farm supplying local flour. Farmers get paid for development rights; the land stays farmland forever.
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