(New Hartford, NY – Nov. 7, 2013) Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R, C, I – New Hartford) called a new law that imposes a tax cap on farmland a victory for New York’s hardworking farmers.
“This represents a great victory for New York’s farmers,” said Tenney. “Farmers in New York, especially upstate, have suffered under an incredible tax burden for years, and this new law will help relieve that. I am proud to have cosponsored this legislation and happy to see it signed into law.”
“For years, skyrocketing tax assessments have forced farmers to carry a heavier and heavier tax burden,” Tenney said. “New York’s farmers pay about $20 more per acre in property tax than the national average. As a result, New York has a reputation for hostility to farmers and their needs. This new tax cap is an important step in the process of changing our state’s reputation of hostility toward agricultural business.”
At $38.41 per acre, property taxes for farmers in New York are currently the second highest in the nation. New York farmers pay $25 more per acre than the national average. As a result, 15 percent of a New York farmers’ net income was consumed by property taxes, a figure that is again, unfortunately, highest in the nation.
“High property taxes for farmers means higher prices for consumers at the market,” said Tenney. “Tax relief for farmers helps keep the price of food down at the grocery store.”
“Agricultural business is the number one industry in New York and a vital part of the Upstate economy. I am pleased that New York’s farmers are finally getting some of the tax relief they deserve,” said Tenney.