An estimated 13 million acres of New York State have been taken out of production agriculture since the early 1900s. While most of this land has remained idle and returned to its natural growth, that part that is being rapidly converted to urban uses is of immediate concern. These changes inevitably affect the quality of life in rural areas, impacting family lives, community service, and education. Urban development often absorbs prime agricultural lands in disproportionate amounts. It has an additional, indirect impact on farming, as an uncertain farming environment causes farmers to forego major improvements or investments. The conference reported in this document explored the various options available to preserve some of that prime agricultural land in New York State. Speakers described specific preservation programs operating in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Preservation strategies include creation of agricultural districts, agricultural use-value assessment, zoning, purchase and transfer of development rights, and the setting up of land trusts. The appendices include a follow-up questionnaire sent to conference participants, survey results, and an outline of farmland preservation efforts in other states. (SV)