SALC 2.0

Project Contacts:

Michael Blackmun |  AgConservation@sdcounty.ca.gov  |  619-915-9730

Project

The SALC 2.0 project aims to support existing and emerging farmers through timely market research and, in doing so, curb the premature conversion of agricultural lands. The project will also serve to inform local agencies’ decision-making to further aid, preserve, and maximize the vital contributions – economic, environmental, and public health benefits – that small-scale farms offer the region.

Solidarity Farm in Pauma Valley, CA. Photo Credit: San Diego County Food Vision 2030

Market Analysis

The market analysis is underway, and we need your help to gather essential data. LAFCO, in collaboration with their consultant, is currently in the process of conducting a comprehensive analysis aimed at identifying market trends and pinpointing any disparities - or "gaps" - that exist between marginal producers and economically sustainable growers. The data collection phase is expected to culminate in a written report with findings and related recommendations to be shared at a future public workshop.

If you are a producer of avocados, lemons, strawberries, or tomatoes within San Diego County, please complete the 2024 San Diego County Farm Operations Data Collection Questionnaire that is now available on LAFCO’s website. Your contribution will significantly increase the accuracy and efficacy of our project outcomes and collectively benefit San Diego’s agricultural community.

Description

Declining agricultural trends in San Diego County, if not carefully addressed, will continue to negatively impact our local farming communities, our rural economies, and the larger San Diego region. In order to deliver meaningful and impactful solutions for our struggling farming communities, particularly small farms, it is critical to identify the true underlying causes specific to the San Diego region. Sustainable agriculture promotes the economic viability of agriculture while preserving natural resources and the environment, relying on detailed planning based on timely information to effectively account for present and emerging market conditions.

In December 2022, the San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), in partnership with the County of San Diego’s (County) Planning & Development Services Department, was awarded a $450,000 Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) planning grant as a major extension of the previous SALC grant work. The SALC Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

Public Workshops

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 4:30 PM – Market Analysis Open House @ San Diego County Farm Bureau 

At this in-person workshop, staff engaged in discussions on the costs and profitability of farming in San Diego County. Staff also presented key findings from an analysis of the 2022 Census of Agriculture and gathered data and feedback from attendees. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 6 PM – Project Kickoff & Crop Selection Virtual Meeting

At this meeting, staff presented an overview of the project and the approach to selecting the focal crops for the market and gap analysis. Participants asked questions and provided their thoughts on the project.

Subscribe to Project Updates

To be notified of future opportunities to participate and other announcements on SALC 2.0, please contact us at AgConservation@sdcounty.ca.gov to be added to our mailing list.