The Town of Southampton developed an Agricultural Overlay District and Agricultural Planned Development District to encourage the business of farming and protect productive farmland for agricultural purposes. Parcels of at least 10 acres located in the overlay district are eligible for the program. Parcels are enrolled in a 10-year agricultural easement that permits no development unrelated to agricultural production on the property. During the 10 year period the land owner receives a commitment that the permitted density of development will remain fixed and town assistance for securing funds for economic development. The town also has an opportunity to purchase the property outright or to purchase the development rights before the agricultural easement expires.