“The Town of Ithaca recognizes that agriculture is an integral part of the Town’s economy and environment, provides locally grown food and other agricultural products, and enhances the quality of life for Town residents. The Town proactively promotes a diversity of farm types, seeks the long-term preservation of the Town’s agricultural-land resources, supports the economic viability of the farming community and the profitability of each farm, values the local public agricultural research and educational resources, and encourages the general public to understand and support local agriculture.”

Above is the Vision Statement that was developed for the Town of Ithaca’s new Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan.  This draft Plan outlines specific goals, recommendations and implementation steps that will help achieve this vision.  The Plan also includes background information on agriculture in the Town along with existing agricultural resources, maps, and other pertinent information.  The Town of Ithaca Planning staff and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan Committee have been working with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the Town farmers over the past two years on this Plan. 

A draft of the Plan (dated October 28, 2011) is available here, or paper copies can be obtained from the Town of Ithaca Planning Department, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY. 

The Town of Ithaca Town Board will hold a public hearing regarding the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan on November 7, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ithaca Town Hall.”

For more information, please contact Michael Smith, Environmental Planner at 607-273-1747.