Santa Clara County takes a step back on agricultural rezoning plan following backlash from small farmers, equestrians and wineries

"Amid overwhelming backlash from equine businesses, wineries and small farmers, Santa Clara County officials are pumping the brakes on proposed changes to the type of development and operations allowed on agricultural land in unincorporated parts of the county. Once known as the "Valley of the Heart's Delight" due to its flourishing orchards, Santa Clara County has lost more than 21,000 acres of farmland over the last three decades - and an additional 28,000 acres are at risk, according to county officials."

"In an effort to support and preserve agriculture, the county is reexamining zoning rules in rural and agricultural districts. But the process has caused alarm among farmers, ranchers, equestrians and vintners who say the proposed changes put their livelihoods at risk as the modifications might force them to shut down altogether. After months of apprehension by these business, it appears their concerns have been heard."

"On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal from Supervisor Sylvia Arenas that would essentially send the policy back to the drawing board and ensure the county incorporates "extensive, widespread and consistent community concerns." Arenas, whose district includes the southern part of the county that encompasses much of the area's agricultural lands, said she wanted to ensure they got the policy "right for everyone." "The ordinance here has a lot of implications for our local businesses and their livelihoods so I want to make sure that it isn't just good for one particular industry, that it is for all of the industries included in the agricultural community," she said."

Santa Clara County has lost more than 21,000 acres of farmland in the last three decades and faces an additional 28,000 acres at risk. The county is reexamining zoning rules in rural and agricultural districts to support and preserve agriculture. Proposed changes provoked overwhelming backlash from equine businesses, wineries, ranchers, small farmers and equestrians who warned the modifications could force closures. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposal to send the policy back for revision and to incorporate extensive, widespread and consistent community concerns. The proposal calls for an agricultural task force, exempting farm stands from costly special permits, and pathways to legalize currently noncompliant businesses.

Read at The Mercury News