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Consider setting April 30, 2019 as a special Board meeting for an Agricultural Tour focusing on soil, water and agriculture sustainability
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures recommends that the Board of Supervisors consider the Agricultural Advisory Committee’s recommendation to set April 30, 2019 as a special Board meeting to conduct an Agricultural Tour focusing on soil, water and agriculture sustainability.
SUMMARY:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee is asking for the Board’s consideration and approval to set Tuesday, April 30, 2019 as a special Board meeting to conduct an educational spring agricultural tour for local, state and federal decision makers. The theme of the tour will be “Soil, Water and Ag Sustainability.” Topics will include discussions on water policy and soil conservation practices as they relate to our local farm system and long-term sustainability of agriculture in Solano County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
As part of the FY2018/19 budget process, the Agricultural Advisory Committee asked that an agricultural tour for local, state and federal decision makers be funded for the spring of 2019. The estimated $4,000 cost, plus staff time, to conduct the Ag Tour was included in the Department of the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures’ FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. Costs include logistics, outreach material, transportation and lunch. There is no additional impact to the General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
The Board of Supervisors established the Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) on September 26, 2000. The AAC acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, providing agricultural expertise on issues related to maintenance of continued agricultural viability with the primary focus on the sustainability and economic prosperity of agricultural production in Solano County. The Board has charged the AAC and its representatives of Solano County’s diverse agricultural industry to study problems of general or special interest to the Board and make reports and recommendations to the Board which will promote agriculture prosperity and sustainability within the county.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee is asking for the Board’s consideration and approval to conduct an educational spring agricultural tour on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. The theme of the tour will be “Soil, Water and Ag Sustainability.” Topics will include discussions on water policy and soil conservation practices as they relate to farm systems and long-term sustainability of agriculture in Solano County. Specific discussions will include Putah Creek watershed attributes regarding soil and water; water delivery through Solano Irrigation District; water needs for farmers; diversified farming operations/crops, soil quality and farm viability, and use of hedgerows; soil and crop transitions, and importance of livestock industry to Solano County; pasture productivity for both irrigated and rangeland pastures; loss of pastures to mitigation; and connection of ranch viability to management of upper watershed rangelands. The AAC is currently in the process of finalizing the itinerary; however, a draft itinerary is attached.
Representatives invited will include local legislators and congressional representatives, Solano County Department of Resource Management, city mayors and council members, Solano Land Trust, Solano Economic Development Corporation, Solano Irrigation District, members of the AAC, and members of the public.
The tour will accommodate approximately 50 people on a bus. The tour will include visits to Dixon Ridge Farms, properties adjacent to Putah Creek, Roy Gill and Sons Farms, Emigh Livestock, and Cache Slough area. The logistics of this educational tour will involve a bus for transportation, a luncheon, media relations, educational/outreach materials, public communications, and follow-up with potential participants.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the Agricultural Advisory Committee’s recommendation to set April 30, 2019 as a special Board meeting to conduct an Ag Tour. However, this is not recommended as the AAC has organized the educational tour to assist local decision makers on water policy and soil conservation practices as they relate to farm systems and long-term sustainability of agriculture in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Agricultural Commissioner, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner, UC Cooperative Extension, the Farmbudsman, and staff from the office of Supervisor Vasquez have been involved with the planning of the Ag Tour. The County Administrator’s Office has reviewed this item and concurs with the department’s recommendation.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION