Protecting Farmland

Agricultural landscapes are an important component in the ‘sense of place’ of the Town of Cazenovia. In 2007, CPF became involved in farmland protection through its work on the purchase of development rights (PDR) of the Critz Farm (241 acres) through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Farmland Protection Implementation Grant Program (FPIG).

Through this state program, CPF holds an agricultural easement on the farm and farmstead in perpetuity. CPF monitors the farm operations to ensure that agricultural soils are preserved and that new structures and operations meet the easement guidelines.

CPF has since protected nearly 2,000 acres of local farmland through this state-funded program.

As of 2023, CPF holds protective easements on 13 active farms that total over 3,112 acres. In addition to protecting important farmland, these easements also protect scenic views and open spaces and the rural agrarian cultural landscape of our area.

For more information, read our Easement Q&As.