Santa Barbara County AFA
The Santa Barbara County Ag Futures Alliance is dedicated “to promoting the long-term viability of agriculture in Santa Barbara County while addressing environmental and social concerns through an alliance that values dialogue and collaboration.”
The Alliance was formed in 2007 when leaders from the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau and the Environmental Defense Center, invited a small group of growers, environmentalists, and community activists to find common ground for a better future for agriculture and the environment. Since their launch, the Alliance has focused on building trust and understanding across the historic divide between agriculture and environmental community. The group’s Constitution, adopted by consensus in September 2008, represents the culmination of the intense effort to rise above past differences and find common principles to support win-win solutions for farmers/ranchers and environment.
Since the completion of their Constitution the group has been focused on land-use issues facing the County, Williamson Act funding, and increasing the stock of housing for seasonal farmworkers.
SBAFA Releases Recommended Ag Land Buffer Ordinance
March 16, 2010
Today members of the Ag Futures Alliance of Santa Barbara County (AFA) released the group’s proposal for an County ordinance to provide for land buffers around agricultural operations. The group has worked for over 12 months in developing this proposal and it represents a historic balancing of interests and needs between the County’s agricultural and environmental interests.
SBAFA Supports Hibbits Ranch Conservation Easement
February 2010—The members of the Santa Barbara Ag Futures Alliances agreed by consensus to send letters of support to the US Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Conservation in support of the Hibbits Ranch conservation project and the grant application of Land Trust of Santa Barbara for the project. To see the full text of the Alliance letter, click below:
Read More »