Ventura County Population of over 800,000 Voter imposed growth boundaries for the County and 8 of the 10 cities Gross agricultural production value of approx. $1.4 billion – 10th in State (2004) Top Crops (2004) 1.Strawberries 2.Nursery Stock 3.Lemons 4.Avocados 5.Celery

Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance (AFA) A collaborative forum of the agricultural, environmental and civic communities 4 Principles and 24 Strategies to Achieve Agricultural Sustainability in Ventura County AFA now includes Ventura, Kern, Merced & Yolo Counties

BUFFERS ARE NECESSARY 1.Create and maintain buffers between ag lands &urban uses 2.Buffer zones should be based on consistent standards 3.Responsibility rests with encroaching urban use (not pre- existing ag use) 4.If no buffer exists, grower should be compensated for production loss Principle 1: Buffers are necessary between agriculture and neighboring uses

Principle 2: Permanent boundaries are needed between agricultural production areas and urban uses 5.Boundaries should be physical features – natural or man made 6.Voter established growth boundaries should be reviewed to ensure long-term boundaries. 7.Should encompass large swaths of land 8.Allow public open space to serve as boundaries wherever possible 9.Use proven land conservation tools (LCAs, FSZs, easements, TDRs, etc.) PERMANENT BOUNDARIES ARE NEEDED

10.General plans should contain an ag element that contains specific principles/strategies to sustain ag 11.Urban development should be directed to areas least desirable for ag 12.Investments in infrastructure should be directed into existing urban areas 13.Smart Growth - Encourage creative models of mixed-use development/higher density in already urban areas 14.Promote and maintain farm worker housing Principle 3: Development strategies should encourage protection of agricultural lands USE REGULATIONS, POLICIES & AGREEMENTS

15.If ag conversion must occur, protect nearby ag operations from “domino” effect through buffers/boundaries 16.Direct protection and preservation toward large blocks of farmland 17.Create policies and agreements that preserve ag resources before conversion pressures occur 18.Urban function sites (schools, etc.) should be located to not conflict with ag uses 19.Encourage LAFCO to adopt regulations consistent with principles 20.County should fund staff to monitor land use projects affecting ag Principle 3 Strategies (continued) USE PUBLIC INVESTMENTS TO PROTECT AG

21.Zoning should be flexible and not unduly restrict use of ag lands 22.Widest definition of ag uses should be allowed due to changing markets 23.Encourage public education and awareness of ag operations 24.Local gov’t must support critical ag- supporting businesses (packinghouses, chemical distribution facilities, irrigation supply companies, etc.) SUPPORT AGRICULTURE BUSINESSES Principle 4: Regulatory structure should allow flexibility for agricultural operations

Ag Futures Alliance Summary – Principles to Achieve Ag Sustainability in Ventura County Principle 1: Buffers are necessary between agriculture and neighboring uses Principle 2: Permanent boundaries are needed between agricultural production areas and urban uses Principle 3: Development strategies should encourage protection of agricultural lands Principle 4: Regulatory structure should allow flexibility for agricultural operations