Planning Department

Ag Development Board

Fostering agriculture business and developing County ag policy

The Ag Development Board was originally named the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board. Besides being a cumbersome title, the Board felt the title implied that its primary goal was to purchase development rights. The new Board name, adopted in 2003, reflects our commitment to a creating positive climate for profitable and rewarding farm businesses.

Responsibilities include implementing and updating the County Ag and Farmland Protection Plan, assisting in the review of the County Agricultural districts, providing responses to Notice of Intent proceedings from NYSDAM.

  • Wayne County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board Members*
  • Elizabeth Henderson, Chairperson, vegetable farmer, Arcadia (2010)
  • Art Crandon, Secretary, dairy farmer, Lyons (2009)
  • Larry Arliss, beef and crop farmer, Galen (2010)
  • Elizabeth Claypoole, Executive Director Cornell Cooperative Extension, Palmyra
  • Nelson Cleaysen, Real Property Tax Service, farmland owner, Marion
  • Ron Thorn, Soil & Water District, Galen
  • John Crane, fruit, beef, crop farmer, Huron (2010)
  • Doug Mason, vegetable farmer, Williamson (2011)
  • Bill Hammond, Town Supervisor, farmer, Macedon (2009)
  • Perry Howland, farmland owner, member Land Trust, Williamson (2009)
  • Ora Rothfuss III, Ag Development Specialist, Planning, Rose

Members of the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board are appointed by the Wayne County Board of Supervisors to 3-year terms. Six of the positions are at-large positions and are generally filled by farm business owners. There may be representation of a land trust on the Board. There are 5 statutory positions- Board of Supervisors, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Real Property Tax Service, Soil and Water Conservation District and Planning.

*(term ends 12-31 of the year listed)

Click here for guidance documents prepared by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets regarding the impact of ag district on local laws.

To contact us:
Phone: 315-946-5919
Fax: 315-946-7657
Email