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.� SAN JOAQUIN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION <br /> MEETING TODAY'S CHALLENGES/PLANNING FOR TOMORROW <br /> October 2, 2012 <br /> Ms. Mo Hatef <br /> San Joaquin County <br /> Community Development Department <br /> 1810 E. Hazelton Ave. <br /> Stockton, CA 95205 <br /> Sent via email to: mhatef0sieov.ore <br /> RE: PA-1200136 (Use Permit) <br /> Dear Ms. Hatef, <br /> The San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation (Farm Bureau) represents over 4,000 <br /> agricultural and rural members throughout San Joaquin County. As the leading nonprofit voice <br /> for agriculture, we thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on this application to permit a <br /> large agricultural store (2,339 sq ft.) complete with a commercial kitchen, retail area, and food <br /> service on a Williamson Act parcel with an existing permitted small winery and venue. <br /> The Williamson Act is the most fiercely protected land conservation program that Farm <br /> Bureau advocates the protection of. Over the past decade, the Williamson Act has faced <br /> external pressures that have sought to diminish the protective nature and funding sources that <br /> limits and restricts uses on agriculturally contracted lands. In this County, the Board of <br /> Supervisors has made the commitment to continue financially supporting the program in order <br /> to protect its very integrity. That being said, it is clear that the preservation of the Williamson <br /> Act is not only a Farm Bureau priority, but a County one. <br /> We weighed this application very carefully and came to the conclusion that for a <br /> contracted parcel this is not an appropriate use. We believe there is real concern in the <br /> compatibility of this use with the intent of the Williamson Act and would not only ask that the <br /> Planning Commission oppose this function, but also would urge the County to enter this parcel <br /> into non-renewal status. While the land undergoes its non-renewal process, the applicant <br /> could be encouraged to operate a produce stand to market the products grown on the parcel <br /> directly to consumers. To allow the use of retail sales space, food service and the sale of goods <br /> that have not originated from the parcel, would undermine the benefits provided by the <br /> Williamson Act, not only for this parcel, but for every Williamson Act contract holder in this <br /> County. <br /> 3290 NORTH AD ART ROAD•STOCKTON,CA•95215•(209)931-4931 •(209)931-1433 Fax <br /> WWW.SJFB.ORG <br />