A Plan for Ag, a summary

Video Link: https://youtu.be/R8s2-oe7r_E

Presented by Farmland Working Group, Produced by Turlock Video Productions, and El Nido Productions

1. Importance of Farmland: Soil is essential for food production, yet only a small fraction of Earth’s surface—about 3% (18/600 people analogy)—is suitable for growing crops. This is shrinking due to urbanization and other uses, with roughly 1.5% (9/600) remaining viable today, projected to drop further.

2. Central Valley’s Role: California’s Central Valley, spanning 20,000 square miles, is one of the world’s most fertile regions, producing 25% of the U.S. food supply and over 250 crop varieties. Its $17 billion ag industry offers fresh, affordable food nationwide, thanks to rich soil, climate, and Sierra snowmelt.

3. Threat of Urbanization: Historically, fertile areas like the Los Angeles Basin were lost to urban sprawl by the 1960s. Today, the Central Valley loses 40,000 acres of farmland yearly to development, driven by population growth and rising land costs.

4. Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCo): Established in 1963, LAFCo aims to curb farmland loss by regulating urban expansion. However, elected officials often prioritize other issues, leading to gradual farmland conversion despite voter support for preservation.

5. Preservation Strategies:

Mitigation Easements: StaAnislaus County preserves 1 acre of farmland for every acre developed (Hughson requires 2:1), though only 300 acres are protected locally versus thousands in nearby counties.
Urban Limit Lines: Turlock’s boundaries, set in 1987, protect farmland by directing growth to poorer soils, though vigilance is needed to maintain them.
Regional Planning: Santa Clara County’s 2018 four-point plan balances growth and farming through cooperation across jurisdictions.

6. Call to Action: Citizens can protect farmland by joining Farmland Working Group, raising awareness, voting for supportive candidates, and advocating for policies like easements and growth boundaries.