> Subject: Coastal Agriculture Element of the proposed LCP
> Date: Wed, September 30, 2015 12:43 pm
> To: PRMD-LCP-Update@sonoma-county.org > -------------------------------------------------------------------------> > Dear PRMD, > > I am writing to comment on the Coastal Agriculture Element of the proposed > LCP. > > I object specifically to the language that actively promotes additional > events and tourism in an area that simply cannot handle increased traffic > or water use. This coastal area is unique and fragile. Its preservation > is important to both residents and visitors. The rural coastal area is > completely different from inland areas, and should be protected, not > developed. > > Agriculture is important to this area, and there are many residents who > farm and manage timberland with love of the place and respect for the > natural resources. However, the word promoting is very alarming. > Tasting rooms and large-scale or frequent events are not agriculture, but > could be the next step if this language remains in the plan. > > Specifically, the language in the Proposed LCP Coastal Agriculture Element > that I feel should be removed, since it opens up the Coast to the > development of alcohol based industrial event centers, is presented below: > > While economic pressure on farmers and ranchers to subdivide or convert > their land to non-agricultural uses is not a major issue on the Sonoma > County Coast, successful promoting and marketing of agriculture on the > Coast can reduce this type of pressure on farmers and ranchers. In the > future, Sonoma County can expect challenges to its resources, particularly > energy and water. Currently many inland farms, ranches, and agricultural > businesses are finding innovative ways to implement renewable resource > programs and conserve energy, water and soil while increasing the economic > viability of agriculture and thereby strengthening the local food system. > Economic sustainability is being encouraged through niche marketing, > direct marketing, and evolving practices improving farm business > management and inter-generational transfer of farms and ranches. The > organic agriculture industry has grown rapidly. The success of this > industry is projected to influence the agricultural economy in the coming > decades. In addition to generating additional income, this industry has > the advantage of providing diversity in the agricultural base of inland > areas and could do the same for the agricultural base of the Sonoma County > Coast. This Element establishes policies which will assist in promoting
> and marketing agricultural products grown or processed on the Coast.
> > Therefore, I respectfully request that the above language be eliminated > from the proposed LCP Ag Element or a specific prohibition of > winery/alcohol event centers in Agricultural zoned areas added. > > > Thank you, > Drucilla Hamilton > Timber Cove resident > >