California's Prime Farmland: Conservation And Loss.pdf

- Total Agricultural Land: Approximately 100 million acres in California, with 43 million dedicated to agriculture (16 million for grazing, 27 million for cropland).
- Prime Farmland: Only about 9 million acres (one-third of cropland) are considered prime, unique, or of statewide importance.
- Urbanization: 3.4 million acres in California's agricultural counties have been urbanized since 1990, with 28% (152,000 acres) being prime, unique, or statewide important farmland.
- San Joaquin Valley: Over 60% of developed land in the valley is prime, unique, or statewide important farmland, but it accounts for only 40% of the region's total land.
- "Ranchettes": The San Joaquin Valley has documented 143,000 acres devoted to large rural residences (not used for commercial agriculture), accounting for 20% of developed land.
- Farmland Loss Drivers: Rapid population growth and inefficient land use are the primary causes of farmland loss. Urban development consumes an acre of land for every 9.4 people statewide.
- Environmental Causes: Land has also been removed for environmental purposes, such as wildlife refuges and water shortage, leading to a decline of over 200,000 acres of irrigated farmland between 2004 and 2006.
- Future Projections: If current trends continue, 1.3 million acres of agricultural land (including 670,000 prime/unique/statewide important) could be developed by 2050, resulting in an estimated $2 billion annual loss in agricultural production.
- Productivity Slowdown: Agricultural productivity growth in California slowed from 2.2% (1949-1989) to 1.2% (1990-2002), pressured by water scarcity, fossil fuel costs, public opposition to agrichemicals/GMOs, and climate change.
- Policy Framework: California has a mix of policies for farmland retention, including AB 857 (2003), CEQA, CFCP, Williamson Act, and local government policies. However, their effectiveness is mixed, with local governments rarely applying or measuring these policies.
- Potential Solutions: Increasing urban densities could reduce farmland loss by 53% in the San Joaquin Valley by 2050. Recent climate legislation may also encourage more efficient development, reducing farmland conversion.