This past August, Mathew and Juanita Critz conserved their 240-acre farm in the scenic Town of Cazenovia. The town was awarded New York State farmland protection funding that enabled the purchase of development rights on the farm.

 Through the process of protecting their land, Mathew and Juanita believe that they are not only investing in their family's future but also helping to support the local agricultural economy. They feel that conserving the land is the first step to ensure that there will be enough land, which farmers rely on to continue farming.

“The securing of development rights through a conservation easement for Critz Farms is a positive and progressive step forward to protect and preserve Madison County’s agricultural land and resources,” Asssemblyman William Magee (NY-111) said.

“Protecting our farmlands is a top priority in agriculture-rich areas like Madison County. Programs like this not only protect green space and farmland, but help educate the rest of the public on the importance of agriculture,” stated Senator David Valesky (NY-49).  “I congratulate Matthew and Juanita Critz, and all of the organizations which partnered to succeed in a very competitive grant process, ensuring Critz Farms will continue providing visitors with great agricultural experiences and local products for years to come.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said, “Farmers are continually looking to do the right thing, and so is the case with the Critzes.  The Critz family has a terrific property with fertile soils, and a viable and valuable business that is dependent on the land.  By selling its development rights and protecting the land, the Critzes are ensuring a lifetime of open space that will forever support the local community and economy.”

 “The Critz family, like many other New York farmers, have demonstrated the tremendous commitment they have to their farm and community,” said David Haight, New York Director for American Farmland Trust.  “They are not only protecting their land for future generations, they are using this opportunity to reinvest in their farm by constructing new farm buildings and buying new equipment.  These actions benefit the local economy and environment.” 

“We believe in the Purchase of Development Rights program,” said Matthew and Juanita.  “It is an economic incentive for the region, as well as a way to provide land protection. The award allows us to ensure that the farm can pass to the next generation, and keeps the land pricing affordable for agriculture.’

“It is also positive for the local economy because we have immediately invested back into the community by buying local products, from the hardware store, to the lumberyard and the equipment dealers.  This helps to sustain ancillary jobs in the area, as well as the fifty or more people employed at the farm.” 

Town of Cazenovia Supervisor Liz Moran said, “The Town of Cazenovia is very pleased that the Critz farm was selected for the Purchase of Development Rights program. Agriculture is an important element of our history, and we are committed to supporting innovative measures to keep agriculture an important element of our future. This grant will protect the prime soil resources and character of a highly visible corridor in the southern portion of our town. We look forward to closing on the town’s second PDR grant and continuing to work with our agricultural community as they adapt to these challenging times.”

“The successful conclusion of the Critz Purchase of Development Rights project, as part of the NYS Farmland Protection Program, is occasion for celebration.  This first PDR grant in Madison County will assure that the land remains private, in production, and on the tax rolls.  The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, a land trust, will hold the conservation easement, which permanently protects the land for agricultural use,” stated Barbara Clarke, President of Cazenovia Preservation Foundation.

“The success of this project is the consequence of collaboration among the Town of Cazenovia, the Cazenovia Area Community Development Association (CACDA), the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) and the landowners, Matthew and Juanita Critz.  It is a fine example of how cooperation among various community groups can benefit the entire community for years to come.”

Barbara Henderson, Executive Director of CACDA, was delighted to be part of the several-year process that has produced multiple grant awards.  “This has been a very positive learning experience for everyone involved; a true win-win-win situation.  It has resulted in significant protection for local high quality agricultural soils, which in turn helps to sustain the regional farming industry and related critical economy.”

-30-