New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced today that Agricultural Land Assessment Cap, which was signed into law in 2013, has saved farmers on Long Island $2,363,656 over the last two years, and $23 million throughout New York State. The Agricultural Land Assessment Cap prevents agricultural assessments from being increased by more than 2 percent per year. The previous cap was set at 10 percent.

Thiele noted, “The continued escalation of land values on the East End, coupled with increasing expenses of owning and operating a farm have forced many of our local farmers to cease and sell their land. This cap provides much needed relief for our farmers.”

For more information on the agricultural assessment program, including applications and instructions, please visit the NYS Tax Department’s website.