ARCHIVED REPORTS_1993_1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGRICULTURAL LANDS San Joaquin County contains large areas of highly productive soils which are capable of producing a wide variety of crops. Agriculture and related activities constitute a major portion of the economic base of the County. The gross value of agricultural production for 1987 was over $746 million. In addition, agricultural land provides significant amounts of open space in the County. These lands help define the County's quality of life and contribute to the rural character which is highly valued by County residents. Recent increases in demand for residential property, combined with low prices for agricultural products and rising costs of farming have created pressure for farmers to sell their land to housing developers. As a.result, Targe portions of the County's inventory of prime agricultural land are being considered for development by land owners or builders. These areas may not be appropriately situated to accommodate projected growth with adequate services. In addition, it is likely that more land will be available than will be needed for growth. To allow agriculture to operate Y as P erate as efficient) ossible and to help assure its continued existence,it is desirable to keep as many incompatible uses out of the agricultural areas as possible. In addition, it is necessary to maintain arcels large enough for agricultural operations to be econo ca y feasible and competitive in a commercial market. The State map in of si ifict far lands as part of national Important Farm a Inventory System will rovie theCounty with a valuable tool for identifying important agricultural lands. Until the State mapping is complete, the County will utilize information from the Soil Conservation Service when it is feasible. The Land Capability Classification System and the Store Index will also be used to provide generalized, Countywide information. (Refer to Figure 4-6: Prime and Non-Prime Agricultural Lands) Objectives: 1. To protect agricultural lands needed for the continuation of commercial agricultural enterprises, small-scale farming operations and the preservation of open space. 2. To recognize agricultural lands that contain concentrations of small-scale agricultural operations and dwellings. 3. To minimize the impact on agriculture in the transition of agricultural areas to urban development. (San Joaquin County,July 1992) The proposed expansion of the transfer station to the north and west will permanently j remove approximately 10 acres from agricultural production and cultivation. As stated earlier,the existing transfer station and the proposed expansion area is designated for General Agricultural use on the County General Plan land use maps. The project site is 4-9