Planning for Continued Viable Agriculture in San Benito County

Agriculture is essential to the economy and identity of San Benito County.  In keeping with its commitment to preserve local values and tradition, conserve farmland, and support the agricultural economy, the County is embarking on a multi-year process to strengthen existing policies to protect critical agricultural lands from conversion, ensure open space remains available, and support a healthy agricultural economy and resulting food security. This multi-year process is funded through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) Agricultural Land Conservation Planning grant which provides funds to cities and counties, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to develop and implement plans for the protection of agricultural land. 

What is the Agricultural Element of the San Benito County General Plan?

The Agricultural Element of the General Plan (Ag Element) is a new component of the General Plan that is being developed.  Development of the Agricultural Element includes compiling reports regarding soil classification, hydrology, economic analyses, and other relevant factors which will inform the policies of the Ag Element.

This effort is intended to strengthen the County’s support for agriculture, including rangelands, and the long-term viability of the agricultural economy. The reports and the Agricultural Element are expected to include:

• Identification of intrinsic values of farmland that are of high value in addition to food production.
• Identifying farmland at risk of conversion or loss.
• Identifying high priority agricultural lands for conservation.
• Conservation strategies and approaches.
• General Plan policies related to agriculture.

Is the Ag Element related to the Ballot Initiative, Empower Voters to Make Land Use Decisions?

No.

How is the Ag Element different from the Ballot Initiative, Empower Voters to Make Land Use Decisions?

The Ag Element will result in agricultural-related policies added to the General Plan that are expected to include identification of priority lands for conservation, a clear definition of prime farmland, policies supporting the agricultural economy, and policies regarding conservation of farmland.  

In contrast, the initiative recently approved for the November ballot would require voter approval before any land use designation in unincorporated parts of the county can be changed from agricultural, rangeland or rural to commercial, neighborhood or public/quasi-public. The ballot initiative seeks to change the land-use designation of four areas slated for commercial development in the county’s 2035 General Plan.

How can I participate in the development of the Ag Element?

Community involvement is at the heart of developing the Ag Element. The County will provide updates through the website and email, conduct surveys, and host public meetings and workshops—both in-person and virtual—to gather community input.

First Informational Session Recap: The initial meeting of the Ag Element Stakeholder Planning Group took place on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, bringing together stakeholders to:

• Understand the purpose of the Ag Element in the General Plan.
• Explore the development process and timeline.
• Learn how to participate in shaping agricultural policies.

Missed the meeting? You can still get involved and stay informed:

Access Key Resources:

• PowerPoint Presentation: View the presentation for an overview of the meeting’s key points and objectives.
• Video Recording: Watch the session for a detailed walkthrough of discussions.
• Community Questionnaire: Complete your input here by Friday, November 29th, 2024. Your insights help shape the policies that will support our agricultural community.

Anticipated Project Schedule

• Technical Report Development: Summer 2024 through Spring 2025
• Public Review Draft Agricultural Element: Summer 2025
• Final Agricultural Element – Fall 2025
• Environmental Review Process: Summer 2025

For more information, please contact: 

Ag Element Project Team
AgElement@sanbenitocountyca.gov