COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

 
 

DATE:

August 20, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 16, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

No

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Supervisor Rich Gordon

SUBJECT:

Adoption of an ordinance to recognize agricultural awareness in San Mateo County, and waiver of reading of the ordinance in its entirety.

   
 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an agricultural awareness ordinance to support and encourage continued agricultural operations in the County, and waive reading of the ordinance in its entirety.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Realize the potential of our diverse population.

Goal(s): Our diverse population works well together to build strong communities, effective government and a prosperous economy.

 

BACKGROUND:

Currently, the County does not provide any formal recognition of the importance of agriculture or any formal process to handle grievances against agricultural practices. In February 2003, this Board hosted the 2003 San Mateo County Agricultural Summit. Based on discussions at the summit, the Board recommended that an ordinance be drafted to address these concerns. A draft ordinance was prepared later that year and, in the intervening time, has been circulated to various community groups for comment.

 
 
 

The agricultural community in San Mateo County is very important to the economy as a whole. In 2004, the gross value of agricultural production in San Mateo County was $181,536,000 and its economic impact on the County was $635,376,000. As of 2002, 3,078 people were employed in agriculture in the County and 3% of land within the County is dedicated to agriculture. Its importance can be clearly seen and the need to protect this resource is vital for not only our economy but for our health and our way of life.

 

DISCUSSION:

The County’s agricultural resources are vital to the long term sustainability of our economy. In addition to the rise in transportation costs and environmental and health concerns of long distance freight and trucking, it is important to maintain a vibrant local agricultural community. The integrity of the food supply and food security are enhanced when locally grown products are purchased and consumed. The nutritional value of local produce also plays a role in the County’s health promotion and prevention efforts.

Because of the high density of San Mateo County, many homes have been built near and on current agricultural lands. It is important that those who live next to agriculture understand its importance to the County as a whole. Residential and commercial development adjacent to agricultural lands could lead to restrictions on agricultural operations. This ordinance makes it County policy to conserve, protect and encourage agricultural operations on zoned agricultural land. This ordinance will also promote ongoing communications between residential land owners and the operators of agricultural operations and create a grievance committee to resolve legitimate concerns over agricultural activities.

 

A second reading at a subsequent Board meeting is required before the ordinance can be adopted. If adopted, the ordinance would become effective thirty (30) days thereafter.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Minimal, relating to costs associated with printing additional language on property tax bills.