Ag Futures Alliance

Introduction to the Ventura AFA

The Ventura AFA was born in 1999. In the years since its inception, the AFA has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments.

The underlying success rests with formation of an active alliance of representatives from leading community organizations. These leaders are committed to formation of consensus positions on those issues most important to the future of a sustainable agriculture and the community at large. With consensus established, AFA members work collaboratively over sustained periods to activate their desired principles and policies within the community. For a more detailed history of how the Ventura AFA was born click here.

Highlights from the past ten years include:

• Developed the model for an AFA community process now being seeded up and down the state, including a Constitution and Change Model
• Spawned action that changed state law related to use of pesticides around schools
• Established consensus position on need for more farm worker housing with the county and recommended detailed set of principles, actions and policies that would ensure housing got built
• Sponsored a major policy summit related to farm worker housing
• Sponsored two major fundraising concerts for farm worker housing that generated over $150,000 in funds for housing
• Built a network of advocates for farm worker housing in six cities in the County
• Testified numerous times at meeting of the County Supervisors and city councils to ensure passage of zoning laws and permits that allow more farm worker housing to be built
• Sponsored three documentaries about land use, stewardship of resources and farm worker housing.
• Established consensus on a set of land use principles that if adopted by the county and cities will support the continued existence of agriculture by minimizing the negative consequences associated with the close proximity of farming and urban uses.
• Developed leadership network within the county consisting of over 80 individuals willing to organize and act in order to maintain and enhance agriculture in perpetuity
• Generated nearly 10,000 hours of volunteer time over 10 years
• Authored seven issue papers to inform the community of agricultural policy and community challenges
• Influenced dozen of county organizations in their approach to problem-solving, spreading the collaborative, consensus-based approach of the AFA

For an excellent history of the Ventura AFA you may read John Krist’s Farming in Suburbia.

Art About Agriculture Exhibit

“Fields and Flower Fields” by Hilda Kilpatrick, 30”x40”, oil on canvasThe Ag Art Alliance presents the 3rd Annual “Art About Agriculture Exhibit” at the Santa Paula Art Museum from August 21 through February 6, 2011. The museum is located at 117 N. 10th Street in historic downtown Santa Paula. The purpose of the exhibit is to promote Art About Agriculture by exploring all the facets of agriculture from workers to water, from machinery to soil and to the food that goes on our plates. The Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $3 and members and students are free. An article entitled Fertile ground for creativity was published Aug. 28 in the Ventura County Star.

Ag Land Use Choices Highlighted In AFA Report

Trade-offs between different types of agriculture must be considered

Ventura County decision-makers will need to grapple with the trade-offs between different types of agriculture in the County. The dynamic and changing nature of markets for Ventura County agricultural products and increasing challenges to farming and ranching profitability will result in new mixes of agricultural production in the County.

The latest report from the Ag Futures Alliance, “The Impact of Agricultural Practices on the Environment, Social Equity and Economics, A Comparison of Open Field, Container Nursery and Greenhouse Farming,” is a comprehensive examination of three types of common agricultural practice in the County. Read More »