Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced the extension of the Real Property Tax Law today on agricultural buildings imperative to production of horticultural products, housing for farm employees, and the managing of livestock. The law will extend into the next ten years and will be applicable to all newly assembled and reassembled agricultural structures.

The exemption was set to expire on January 1, 2019, saving farmers over $112 million since it went into effect. As a member of the State Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, Santabarbara played a key role supporting the measure and its passage. Extension of the law prohibits tax increases based on the value of construction or improvement of structures that are used for essential agricultural operations until January 1, 2029. That includes the cultivation, harvest and storage of commodities; the feeding, breeding and management of livestock; and housing for farm employees.

“Supporting New York’s agricultural industry is essential to the future of our state,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This legislation and the tax relief it provides will play a key role in strengthening our economy for years to come by supporting family farm businesses and encouraging new investments.”