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.
Climate Action Plan
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.
WR-C Regional Collaboration on Water Issues and Sustainability
The County shall continue to provide data and staff resources to support collaboration on climate change and sustainability, and for planning and implementing projects that address local and regional water issues.
WR-E Well Guidelines Update
The County shall coordinate with the local groundwater management agencies and local groundwater sustainability agencies to update County of Ventura Ordinance 4468 and related guidelines on the location, construction, and abandonment of water wells, if necessary.
WR-F Discretionary Development Review for Adequate Water and Wastewater
The County shall verify that all discretionary development proposals demonstrate an adequate long-term supply of water, adequate methods for sewage disposal, provide adequate drainage to avoid flooding, prevent erosion, and prevent contamination of local water.
WR-G Water Conservation
The County shall continue to implement ongoing programs to educate County residents on incentives for water conservation features, including drought-tolerant landscaping, removal of turf, graywater, and water-saving plumbing technologies.