Resolution 2014-04 - Agricultural Land Valuation
Whereas, county tax assessors use a special valuation method on agricultural lands that provides that
lands being used for agricultural purposes and that are under cultivation are given a lower valuation for
the purposes of determining the amount of property taxes for that land,
Whereas, the public policy rationale for allowing agricultural lands to be taxed at a lower rate is in part
promote the continued use of land for agricultural purposes because of the many benefits to the local
economy, customs, and culture as well as the continuation of a rural character,
Whereas, the special method for agricultural valuation and taxation is beneficial to farmers and ranchers
because it helps to maintain economically viable operations by reducing the cost of property taxes,
Whereas, without lower taxation of agricultural lands, many producers could not continue to afford to
operate farms and ranchers because of the higher rate of taxes they would be required to pay,
Whereas, county tax assessors follow state law and local procedures to determine which lands are eligible
for a special method of agricultural land valuation,
Whereas, both state law and the policies and procedures by county tax assessors should consider the
unique characteristics of agricultural production in New Mexico as well as the vulnerability to long term
drought,
Whereas, lands may not be cultivated every consecutive year for various reasons including water
availability and changes in the availability of family members from year to year and reasonable gaps in
consecutive year-to-year cultivation should be considered a normal part of the practice of agriculture in
New Mexico,
Therefore, be it resolved, that the NMAA supports use of a special valuation method for agricultural land
by local county assessors that protects agricultural lands from abrupt and significant increases in property
taxes,
Be it further resolved, that the NMAA supports legislation that would require a one year notice to
landowners with land that may change valuation from agricultural use to some other land use and
legislation that would consider factors such as long term agricultural use and drought in determining
eligibility for a special method for agricultural valuation,
Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be delivered to the New Mexico Acequia Commission,
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, the New Mexico Association of Counties, the Water and
Natural Resources Legislative Interim Committee, House of Representatives and Senate leadership, the
New Mexico Attorney General, and Governor Susana Martinez.
Submitted by the Concilio.