POSITION IN BRIEF: Support
policies that recognize agricultural land as a limited resource
which must be preserved for the economic and physical well-being
of California and the nation. Appropriate agricultural land should
be identified and its long term protection should be based on regulatory
and incentive programs which include comprehensive planning, zoning
measures and other preservation techniques. State policy which affects
agriculture should ensure the conservation of soil and water resources
through incentives coupled with penalties for noncompliance.
Agricultural Land Preservation Positions
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1. Appropriate land should be identified and held for agriculture.
2. The identification of agricultural land should be based
on criteria which include an available water supply, the best
combination of physical and chemical characteristics and soil
factors, and the threat of urbanization.
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3. The state should provide a policy, plan and guidelines for the
long-term protection of agricultural land which require:
a. comprehensive planning;
b. mandatory agricultural element in general plans;
c. agricultural zoning;
d. citizen participation.
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4. Techniques for preserving agricultural land should include
tax relief, tax incentives, and "less-than-free" purchase
of development interests in farmland.
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Soil and Water Conservation Positions
1. Soil and water conservation are essential elements in land management
practices.
2. Financial and technical assistance should require best management
practices for soil and waterconservation.
3. Incentives should be provided to promote soil and water conservation.
4. Water conservation must be a condition placed on the delivery
and use of water for agriculture.*
5. California should have a state wide program for groundwater
management.*
6. Inter-basin transfer of water should be available only after
conservation measures have been implemented.*
*See State Water Position
Adopted 1983; Readopted at last convention
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