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Authorize the County Administrator to execute a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program planning grant agreement with the California Department of Conservation totaling $500,000, and to execute all associated contracts and amendments within budgeted appropriations, to develop a County strategic initiative for agriculture; Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $40,000 to recognize unanticipated grant revenue offset by grant related appropriations (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agricultural Commissioner recommends the Board of Supervisors:
1) Authorize the County Administrator to execute a Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program planning grant agreement with the California Department of Conservation totaling $500,000 to develop a county strategic initiative for agriculture, and to execute all associated contracts and amendments within budgeted appropriations; and
2) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) of $40,000 to recognize unanticipated grant revenue offset by grant related appropriations (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY/ DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Conservation administers the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program on behalf of the California Strategic Growth Council. The SALC program addresses climate change by conserving California farmlands and encouraging compact, transit-oriented communities.
In April 2023, the Board of Supervisors identified agricultural preservation and economic development as two of their leading priorities. In August 2023, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing submittal of a $500,000 SALC planning grant application and in December 2023, the California Strategic Growth Council approved the Agriculture Department’s application to develop a County Strategic Initiative for Agriculture plan that will build a coalition of partners to:
• Create an agricultural economic development plan;
• Assess agricultural infrastructure needs and develop an agricultural infrastructure plan; and,
• Conduct an agricultural land use planning assessment and action plan.
Upon approval, the SALC grant agreement will begin April 15, 2024 and continue through April 14, 2027. The Agriculture Department will present an interim progress report on the Strategic Initiative for Agriculture to the Board in Spring 2025.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to accept this grant. This is not recommended because this grant funding will support the Board’s priorities in protecting and promoting the long-term viability and success of local farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department worked with the County Administrator’s Office and County Counsel, and letters of support for this grant opportunity were received from the Department of Resource Management, U.C. Cooperative Extension Capitol Corridor, Solano County Farm Bureau, Solano Resource Conservation District, Dixon Resource Conservation District, City of Vacaville, Solano Local Food System Alliance, Robben Ranch, S&S Farms, Robben Cattle Co., Suisun Vintners and Growers Association, and the Solano Land Trust.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION