The recent Eachus development hearing before the Board of Supervisors again brings to mind the cause of protecting agricultural lands in Lake County. Possibly developers are still missing the boat as to why many of us are so adamant about preserving agricultural lands when the county has shown a steady decline in agricultural production (with the exception of grapes) over the past few decades.
All of us are well aware of the difficult time independent farmers and ranchers have had across America in competing with the huge corporate farming enterprises. If we could just adhere to the principle of buying from local farmers and ranchers they could not only compete with the big guys but would add to the general economy of the area simply by residents purchasing locally grown food stuffs. Outlets for locally grown agricultural products must be expanded and ranchers supported. Local slaughter houses, flour mills, poultry ranches and dairies must be brought back into the forefront.
Some time ago, I wrote an article calling for the development of sustainable agriculture in the county. Everyone needs to realize that we a so lucky to have the ability in this county to produce all the food stuffs we need to have a quality life without depending on suppliers outside of the area. We could truly provide all the fresh produce, grain and meats needed by our residents locally thus eliminating the ever escalating cost factors associated with trucking basic food products in to the area. This factor alone should allow local farmers and ranchers the ability to compete in this day and age. However, this concept would take an aggressive, well laid out program that would bring together the current farmers and ranchers. Innovative marketing that would attract new agricultural related ventures must also be included in such a plan. Surely having good quality, locally grown produce and meats year round would not only add to the quality of life in Lake County but would also add to the property values of the area. We can do this with concerted effort.
Possibly the Lake County Planning Commission has also missed the boat therefore adding to the indignation of such entrepreneurs as Mr. Mitchell (the prospective developer of the Eachus Subdivision) and other similar developers. When farm lands lay fallow for years on end, it is hard not to agree with the developers. However, all factions must realize that we are not only considering present day problems of infrastructure and precedent but also looking to the future by being good stewards of the land for future generations. Continued splitting up of large tracts of agricultural lands will undoubtedly erode the potential for sustainable agricultural in Lake County.
I would propose that the Planning Commission should tally all the of the available agricultural lands and all their possible uses in order to figure exactly how many people could be reasonably sustained if said agricultural lands were all being used in a productive manner. I am unaware if such a study has been undertaken. In this way, we could realize how many people could comfortably reside in the county, therefore we would have the ability to truly set accurate limitations on development.
We must consider that if a large scale natural or terrorist calamity befalls our nation, Lake County will be one of the last to receive aid. Have you ever lived off of spam and c-rations? It ain”t pretty.
The possibility of a major depression also brings to mind the need for Lake County agricultural independence. We must become more independent and we have the resources to do so. Let”s make it so.
Support local farmers and ranchers. Buy locally grown produce and meats. Volunteer and organize to help make sustainable agriculture a reality in Lake County. Our grandchildren will thank us.
Kevin Engle is a resident of Lower Lake.
