The Prime Farmalnds Transfer Fee: A Technique to Utilize Non-Tax Money for Choice Farmland Retention

Abstract

The idea of farmland preservation has been widely discussed in New York and in many other parts of the Nation. The discussions have stemmed from the growing recognition that our farmland resources are assets of major importance and that the public at large can reap substantial benefits from their wise use. The study of land resources and their prospects for use in the production of food and fiber commodities constitute a continuing research and educational commitment for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Accordingly, the College encourages the dissemination of information which contributes to the evolution of public policy in the area of farmland preservation. This report deals directly with the farmland preservation issue but was not solicited or contracted for by the College. The author, Wallace Washbon, is a retired member of the University staff. He is intimately familiar with the Agriculture of New York State. His background includes 30 years with the Cooperative Extension Service, Cornell University and 10 years with the New York State Agricultural Resources Commission as a special land-use consultant. The report presents his own views on techniques to encourage the retention of farmland in a farm use.