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C) 4 . Homesites should be of a size ` sufficient to accommodate the desire for rural living and satisfy applicable health {� requirements while resulting in the J consumption of as little agricultural land as possible. Discussions The project conforms to this policy in that the lot size would be consistent with similar development in the area . Agricultural Principles 1 . The resources upon which agriculture is based .will be protected , and the utilization of these resources for agricultural purposes will be encouraged . Discussion The proposed project is inconsistent with this policy in that the project would convert +/— 62 acres of land in agricultural use to a residential use. Although the applicant has indicated that the tenant farmer has not shown a profit for the +26 acres of the site planted in row crops and the southerly 22 t, acres presently contains remnants of an old walnut orchard that is lJ� diseased and no longer productive, this does not preclude the fact that the land could continue to be farmed . The walnut orchard could be removed , thus providing a total of approximately 46 acres of prime and less than prime agricultural land available to an agricultural operator . 2. Intensive agriculture such as orchards, vineyards and row crops will be supported and protected where soils of high quality are found and water is or will be available. Dig-zc s ' o • The proposed project is inconsistent with this policy . Development of the property would result in the loss of J +/— 42 acres of prime land and +/— 21 acres of less than prime land. Development of the expanded study area could result in the loss of approximately + 40 acres of prime soil . In addition, water is available and an irrigation system for a portion of the site is currently in place . As discussed in the Land Use Section, a remnant orchard at the south end of the site is not in production due to the age and condition of the trees. However, the remaining portion of the project site supports viable row crops and an orchard . Agriculture is also prominent in the expanded study area, in particular the south/southeast portion. Although an older, diseased orchard has been recently removed, the remaining portions of this area support healthy , mature walnut and ¢, cherry orchards and row crops. �Er 24