California’s agricultural lands are among the most productive in the world, providing a vast array of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and other essential products. However, as urban sprawl continues to expand and land values soar, farmland is increasingly at risk of being lost forever. Since 2000, the U.S. has lost over 50 million acres of farmland, averaging out to 4.3 acres every minute. Safeguarding this precious resource is not only critical for preserving open space and rural heritage—it’s also vital for ensuring a sustainable and resilient food supply for generations to come.
Healthy farmland supports regenerative agricultural practices, which enhance soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and foster biodiversity. By investing in farmland protection, we help maintain a local, robust supply of ingredients for everything from fresh salads to artisanal cheeses. This, in turn, strengthens small businesses, fosters economic stability in rural areas, and reduces the environmental footprint associated with long-distance food transport.
Here in California, several dedicated organizations work tirelessly to protect our agricultural landscapes and maintain the farmland necessary to sustain a vibrant local food economy. Some notable examples include:
- Sonoma County Ag + Open Space: Sonoma County Ag + Open Space conserves forever our county's farms and ranches, scenic open space, greenbelts, and natural areas for the benefit of our community now and for future generations. They also preserve places to recreate and enjoy nature in parks and preserves, as well as open spaces in or close to our cities and towns.
- Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT): Based in Marin County, MALT has protected over 55,000 acres of farmland since 1980. They partner with farmers and ranchers to conserve agricultural land through conservation easements, ensuring these parcels remain dedicated to agriculture in perpetuity.
- California Farmland Trust: Formerly known as the Central Valley Farmland Trust, this organization focuses on safeguarding farmland in the state’s Central Valley—one of the most important agricultural regions worldwide. They work with willing landowners to create permanent conservation easements, securing the future of diverse farms, ranches, and orchards.
- Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST): Since their founding in 1977, that have preserved over 89,000 acres of open space in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. These protected lands include permanent open space, farms and parks. Discover more about their strategic plan, our values, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
- California Rangeland Trust: While its primary focus is on rangelands, this group supports the preservation of working landscapes that nurture livestock, wildlife, and overall ecosystem health.
By supporting farmland conservation organizations and recognizing the far-reaching benefits of protected farmland, each of us can play a role in preserving California’s agricultural heritage—and ensuring a bountiful food supply for generations to come.
