| November Meeting to Focus on Agricultural Challenges
By Luree Stetson, Department of Conservation
Over the next 25 years, California agriculture faces formidable challenges. How can productivity be maintained in the face of population growth? How can farmers compete effectively for global markets? How can the state and federal governments promote effective stewardship programs? How can the agricultural community maintain and protect scarce natural resources when they are struggling with economic viability? The Biodiversity Council will discuss these issues on November 14 and 15 in Modesto, the heart of the San Joaquin bioregion, which accounts for approximately 50 percent of California’s agricultural production. California farmers are finding it more and more difficult to make a profit and stay in business—if farmers are forced out of business and sell their farms, this may result in less agricultural and open space lands. How will this impact habitat conservation efforts? On Wednesday, November 14, an afternoon field trip will highlight local “farm–friendly” habitat projects. Projects like those on the Grayson River Ranch and the Faith Home Ranch show how farming operations can be compatible with habitat uses. The day will conclude with a tour and dinner at the Mapes Ranch just outside Modesto. Farmers will share their views about resource conservation as well as efforts for all levels of government and the private sector to partner and preserve increased habitat areas and agricultural lands simultaneously. The second day of this Central Valley meeting will focus on the economic challenges facing the agricultural community and impacts to these lands and habitat that agriculture sustains. A panel of farmers and other experts will discuss incentives that maintain agricultural operations and enhance “farm–friendly” easement and habitat projects. How can these types of projects be made “farm–friendly” and encourage more participation by farmers and ranchers? The ensuing articles on pages 15–17 highlight several topics of interest regarding the San Joaquin Valley. Further information on this fall regional meeting is available on the CBC website. California Biodiversity News: Volume 8, Number 2 |