SUSTAINING AG ON THE EDGE:

1. SUSTAINING AG ON THE EDGE: PRINCIPLES & STRATEGIES

2. Ventura County • Population of over 800,000 • Voter imposed growth boundaries for the County and 8 of the 10 cities • Gross agricultural production value of approx. $1.4 billion – 10th in State (2004) • Top Crops (2004) • 1. Strawberries • 2. Nursery Stock • 3. Lemons • 4. Avocados • 5. Celery

4. Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance (AFA) • A collaborative forum of the agricultural, environmental and civic communities • 4 Principles and 24 Strategies to Achieve Agricultural Sustainability in Ventura County www.agfuturesalliance.net AFA now includes Ventura, Kern, Merced & Yolo Counties

5. Principle 1: Buffers are necessary between agriculture and neighboring uses • Create and maintain buffers between ag lands &urban uses • Buffer zones should be based on consistent standards • Responsibility rests with encroaching urban use (not pre-existing ag use) • If no buffer exists, grower should be compensated for production loss • BUFFERS ARE NECESSARY

6. Principle 2: Permanent boundaries are needed between agricultural production areas and urban uses • Boundariesshould be physical features – natural or man made • Voter establishedgrowth boundaries should be reviewed to ensure long-term boundaries. • Should encompass large swaths of land • Allow public open space to serve as boundaries wherever possible • Use proven land conservation tools (LCAs, FSZs, easements, TDRs, etc.) • PERMANENT BOUNDARIES ARE NEEDED

7. Principle 3: Development strategies should encourage protection of agricultural lands • General plans should contain an ag element that contains specific principles/strategies to sustain ag • Urban development should be directed to areas least desirable for ag • Investments in infrastructure should be directed into existing urban areas • Smart Growth - Encourage creative models of mixed-use development/higher density in already urban areas • Promote and maintain farm worker housing • USE REGULATIONS, POLICIES & AGREEMENTS

8. Principle 3 Strategies (continued) • If ag conversion must occur, protect nearby ag operations from “domino” effect through buffers/boundaries • Direct protection and preservation toward large blocks of farmland • Create policies and agreements that preserve ag resources before conversion pressures occur • Urban function sites (schools, etc.) should be located to not conflict with ag uses • Encourage LAFCO to adopt regulations consistent with principles • County should fund staff to monitor land use projects affecting ag • USE PUBLIC INVESTMENTS TO PROTECT AG

9. Principle 4: Regulatory structure should allow flexibility for agricultural operations • Zoning should be flexible and not unduly restrict use of ag lands • Widest definition of ag uses should be allowed due to changing markets • Encourage public education and awareness of ag operations • Local gov’t must support critical ag-supporting businesses (packinghouses, chemical distribution facilities, irrigation supply companies, etc.) • SUPPORT AGRICULTURE BUSINESSES

10. Summary – Principles to Achieve Ag Sustainability in Ventura County Principle 1: Buffers are necessary between agriculture and neighboring uses Principle 2: Permanent boundaries are needed between agricultural production areas and urban uses Principle 3: Development strategies should encourage protection of agricultural lands Principle 4: Regulatory structure should allow flexibility for agricultural operations • Ag Futures Alliance