The KUSP Land Use Report #33: Agricultural Land – The Foundation of Our Agricultural Economy

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Gary Patton, Executive Director of LandWatch Monterey County, presents the following Land Use Report. The opinions expressed by Mr. Patton are not necessarily those of KUSP Radio, nor of any of our sponsors.

Agriculture is big business in Monterey County. Local growers market their products globally, and generate gross revenues of about three billion dollars per year. California generates about 30 billion dollars per year of agricultural revenues. Monterey County produces about 10% of the total agricultural revenue generated by the entire State.

Compare the great Central Valley to the Salinas Valley. When you do, it becomes clear. Agriculture in Monterey County is the most economically productive agriculture (acre for acre) anywhere in the world. Are we proud of Silicon Valley and its world leadership in the area of technology? Well, Monterey County is the agricultural equivalent, and the agricultural industry in Monterey County is just as innovative and economically productive as our high tech industry.

No one suggests bulldozing down high tech factories, to make way for subdivisions and shopping centers. It wouldn’t make economic sense. Why does it make sense to do this with agricultural land? Agricultural land only looks vacant. In fact, that land is the foundation of our incredibly productive agricultural industry.
Preventing the conversion of agricultural land to less productive uses isn’t an environmental issue. It’s an economic issue. That’s what’s at stake in Monterey County, and for all of us, as we plan for our future together.

For KUSP, this is Gary Patton.

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