ALBANY COUNTY — A local law to support and protect farmland and foster good relations between farmers and non-farmers passed unanimously Monday night in the Albany County Legislature.
The Right-to-Farm Law, long in the developing stages, was sponsored by Alexander "Sandy" Gordon, a Democrat who represents the towns of Berne, Knox, and Rensselaerville, and Chairman Charles E. Houghtaling, also a Democrat, who represents Westerlo and parts of New Scotland.
Gordon, who farms over 100 acres in Knox, said there are now over 70,000 acres of farmland in Albany County. The law "helps sustain the viability of farming." Worked on for over three years, the law extends to those making $2,000 or more in gross sales, which helps in a market where many landowners have small operations or are just starting out, Gordon said.

Farm products, as defined by the new law, include: field crops, fruits, vegetables, horticultural crops, livestock, maple sap and syrup, Christmas trees, fish, fish products, woody crops, apiary products, and compost products.

Gordon said the law also helps preserve open space, defies sprawl, and keeps property taxes down.
When selling a property within 500 feet of an agricultural district, sellers must give prospective buyers a notice that says: "It is the policy of Albany County to conserve, protect, and encourage the development and improvement of agricultural land for the production of food, and other products, and also for its natural and ecological value"Such farming activities may include, but not be limited to, activities that cause noise, dust, and odors"."