CAP Team Seeks Input on Emissions Reduction Measures for the Agriculture and Conservation Sector

10/21/21

As a part of the Climate Action Plan Update (CAP Update), the County is holding a series of public workshops throughout the year to present project updates and solicit feedback. In September, the County facilitated a workshop on the agriculture and conservation emissions reduction sector.

For those that were unable to attend the workshop, we’ve provided a quick summary for you below. You can also find recordings and additional information from all of our previous CAP Update workshops here.

Agriculture and Conservation Emissions Reduction Measures Workshop

The latest workshop provided an overview of the CAP Update project components and will act as a foundation for developing vision statements of an equitable, net-zero carbon emissions future for the agriculture and conservation sector. Workshop participants were able to give input through a series of interactive poll questions and a discussion forum.

During the workshop, County staff described what agriculture and conservation emissions are, where they come from, and how the County goes from understanding these greenhouse gas emissions to building measures to reduce them. 

Graph of agriculture sector (2014)

Agriculture and conservation emissions refer to emissions associated with livestock, the application of fertilizer, and the use of petroleum- or diesel-powered equipment; however, agricultural practices are uniquely positioned to reduce greenhouse gases by sequestering carbon in soil and plant matter. Emissions associated with this sector accounted for 5% of the County’s total emissions in 2014.

Following the deep dive into agriculture and conservation emissions, County staff led a visioning exercise through a series of poll questions to receive feedback about the sector and possible visionary ideas or concepts.

Poll questions included:

  1. What should be considered for the agriculture and conservation sector to achieve a net-zero emissions future?
  2. What should NOT be considered for the agriculture and conservation sector?
  3. How can equity be considered for the agriculture and conservation sector, while still achieving net-zero emissions? What else should be considered related to equity?
  4. Is there anything else that should be considered for the agriculture and conservation sector?

Major comment themes included:

  • Water use such as the incorporation of grey water and stormwater capture
  • Land practices such as carbon farming, sequestration, and composting
  • Expansion of renewable energy such as electrification of farming equipment or use of biofuel from manure
  • Regenerative agriculture and organic farming
  • Local and Native land use practices and crop prioritization
  • Regulations and incentives to preserve and support local rural and urban agriculture
  • Programs centered around black, indigenous, and agricultural workers of color such as mentorship programs, trainings, and subsidies

If you want to find out more about agriculture and conservation emissions or what people had to say about this sector, you can view a recording of the September 29th agriculture and conservation emissions reduction measures-focused workshop here (in English) and here (in Spanish).

What is next?

Stay up to date with future workshops by checking out our website or sign up to receive notification of future workshops straight to your inbox.

We look forward to seeing you soon!