San Benito County to implement a new General Plan Agricultural Element in an effort to preserve agriculture land

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Agricultural Element of the San Benito County is set to hold their first informational meeting on Thursday, November 14 at 6 p.m. to address a new General Plan aiming to protect and sustain agricultural lands in the county.

"The goal is to create policies that ensure long-term agricultural productivity, preserve open spaces, and support the local economy," according to the county.

The county says that this plan is being developed under the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) program, which provides funding to help prevent the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses.

The main points of the Agricultural Element is to discuss land conservation, sustainable practices, community involvement and its integration into the General Plan, according to the county.

According to the county, "Development of the Agricultural Element includes compiling reports regarding soil classification, hydrology, economic analyses, and other relevant factors which will inform the policies of the Ag Element."

The county says that they hope to balance economic growth with the preservation of the area's agricultural landscape.

"Agriculture is essential to the economy and identity of San Benito County," wrote the county in their General Plan Agricultural Element. "In keeping with its commitment to preserve local values and tradition, conserve farmland, and support the agricultural economy, the County is embarking on a multi-year process to strengthen existing policies."

They say this plan is a comprehensive, multi-year endeavor set to span throughout 2025.

The county's projected timeline of the project includes the Technical Report Development running summer 2024 through spring 2025; Public Review Draft Agricultural Element completion by summer 2025; Final Agricultural Element done by fall 2025; and finally the Environmental Review Process wrapping up summer 2025.

San Benito County is offering interested people to attend an information session at the day and time listed above. They will be meeting in the Sheriff's Conference Room, 2301 Technology Parkway, Hollister, CA 95023 (Second Floor).

People interested in joining the project's email list can send a request to AgElement@sanbenitocounty.gov.

The meeting's plan documents can be accessed through the county's website, here.