- Author: Linda Peterson
Interested in farming or ranching on county owned land? Here's the scoop…
On March 10, 2015, UCCE and Sonoma County Ag Preservation and Open Space District presented the final 2 phases (farming and grazing properties) of “County Lands for Food Production Report” to the County Board of Supervisors, and it was approved unanimously.
Eighteen properties, owned by various county agencies (see below) were assessed. It's worth your time to read through this document to see what lands are out there and whether they may be suitable for you!
As outlined in the Assessment of County Land for Food Production Report, Phase 2, it's recommended that, when possible, future County land acquisitions have the necessary infrastructure and other attributes compatible with agricultural uses. These include considering the following features: water, fencing, access, power, minimal parcel size for agriculture, and biotic issues.”
Each property in the report lists the county department that owns the land, so if you want more information, you must contact them directly.
County Lands for Food Production Report
Contacts are:
- Sonoma County Regional Parks: Bert Whitaker, Park Manager; Bert.Whitaker@sonoma-county.org ; 565-2041
- Sonoma County Water Agency: Mike Thompson; Michael.Thompson@scwa.ca.gov; 526-5370
- Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District: Kathleen Marsh; Kathleen.Marsh@sonoma-county.org; 565-7360
- Sonoma County General Services: Ed Buonaccorsi - Ed.Buonaccorsi@sonoma-county.org; 565-2550
- Author: Karen Giovannini
Farming produce is allowed in most zones throughout the County without any permits, however depending on what you want to do with the produce, you may need a permit or two. And you always want to practice California Small Farm Food Safety Guidelines.
- Visit Produce Farm Marketing to answer such questions as:
- What can I sell from a farm stand on my property?
- How can I sell produce at the Farmers Market?
- How do I become Organic Certified?
- And more!