In an effort to support the long-term financial sustainability of some large properties zoned for agricultural use and support ranchers and farmers, the county is proposing a new Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance (AEO) that could expand some of the allowed uses or activities on some ag parcels throughout our county. The intention behind expanding uses would require that new activities relate to and supplement the agricultural activities already taking place on the land. Although agriculture is our county’s top industry , with revenue in the billions and ranking among the top 10 percent of counties nationwide, water, labor shortages, and a changing climate, drought, and floods pose major challenges for those working the land.
Farmlands shape the bucolic appeal of our county. Our iconic orchards, vineyards, row crops, and rangelands help define our county’s identity. Most residents take pride in our county’s rural character. Over 80 percent of the county’s 720,000 acres in agriculture are grazing lands that provide many environmental and open space benefits for all. But grazing is especially vulnerable to long periods of drought, so I’m interested in activities that strengthen the financial viability of our farmlands.
The just-released Draft EIR proposes four different kinds of opportunities to expand allowable activities on farmland — and the public is encouraged to provide comments.