Bill > S00581

This bill amends the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law to increase the maximum acreage of farm woodland that can qualify for agricultural assessment from 50 acres to 100 acres per separately described and assessed parcel. Agricultural assessment is a tax benefit that allows farmland to be valued based on its agricultural use rather than its potential development value, which typically results in lower property taxes. By doubling the allowable farm woodland acreage, the bill provides farmers with more flexibility in managing woodlands as part of their agricultural operations, potentially supporting larger farming enterprises or those with more extensive forested areas. The change aims to support agricultural landowners by expanding the tax assessment provisions that recognize woodland as a valuable component of agricultural land use. The amendment takes effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S581