The County shall develop a program to identify opportunities to continue to provide organic and locally grown foods into cafeteria services, the jail, Ventura County Medical Center, and other County-sponsored services and events that provide food service, to the extent feasible.
Food Security
AG-F Enhanced Access to Locally Grown Products
The County shall conduct a study to identify barriers to local farm stands and take action to remove these barriers which may include an update to the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, as necessary.
AG-G Farm-to-Front Door
The County shall study the feasibility of encouraging “Farm-to-Front Door” business model and its potential benefits to businesses and residents in Ventura County.
AG-K Water-Saving Irrigation Techniques Program
The County shall continue to collaborate with and support the UC Cooperative Extension Office on educational programs on irrigation techniques to maximize water use efficiency, when feasible.
AG-M Research on Effects of Climate Change
The County shall research the potential effects of climate change on the county’s existing agricultural industry as well as the resulting challenges and opportunities associated with these changes. Research partners may include the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN), University of California Cooperative Extension, Ventura County Farm Bureau, and the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. The research shall address, but may not be limited to, loss of chill hours, increased populations of or new species of pests, higher rates of evapotranspiration, and opportunities created by warmer climate to grow crops that were previously unsuitable based on historic climate conditions.
AG-N Subsidies for Resilient Crop Production
The County should encourage programs and obtain grants to seek funding to subsidize efforts to breed crops that are resilient to high heat, shade crops and installation of light reflectors, and reduce rates of tilling to promote soil health and combat increased temperatures as recommended by federal, state, and local agencies.