Agriculture
Our success, or lack of success, in protecting this county’s productive agricultural land will determine the future of our economy, as well as the future of our environment. LandWatch favors strong and effective agricultural land protection policies.
Did you know there are more than 81,000 farms in California totaling over 25 million acres? Did you know the Salinas Valley has more than 250,000 acres of farmland producing more than $4 billion in crop revenue? Current state policies are failing to mitigate the impacts of farmland conversion as the State of California is losing more than 30,000 acres of farmland each year to commercial and residential developments.
- Monterey Ranks 4th for Ag Sales
Monterey County was the fourth ranked in the state for gross sales of agricultural commodities. This is the same position it had the previous year. Sales were exceeded by 6.5% ($277 million!). While some crops suffered due to the drought, others made marked improvements. The Report indicates that Monterey led the state in strawberry and lettuce production. (01.29.16) - Farmland Legislation Needs Support
The California Farmland Protection Act (AB 823) proposes the protection of an acre of farmland for every acre that is lost to development. LandWatch supports this legislation and urges our supporters to contact legislators about voting for the bill before April 15th. (04.01.13) - Ag Land Preservation Group and Affordable Housing Group Announce Historic Accord
LandWatch has joined forces with the Center for Community Advocacy (CCA), a Salinas-based farmworker advocacy group. In an historic accord, CCA and LandWatch have agreed to work together on affordable housing and urban growth boundaries, so that development interests can no longer pit “the environment” against the absolutely legitimate need for affordable housing. (07.29.99)
