Sen. Dodd’s Plan to Boost Ag Conservation Clears Senate

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today that his legislation to enhance conservation on California’s more than 76,000 farms and ranches by offering incentives and technical assistance to those that adopt practices to help wildlife and the environment has cleared the Senate.

“California's agricultural and rural lands are critical to the sustainability and economic leadership of the state,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill would help put farmers and ranchers on the leading edge of conservation while supporting their economic vitality. Ultimately, it would boost the land’s resiliency and production, allowing people and the environment to reap the benefits.”

California agriculture is a $54 billion industry that generates at least $100 billion in related economic activity. Farmland provides many benefits including preservation of open space and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and social benefits. In recent years, especially during and after the drought, conservation practices have declined, driven in part by the rising cost of agricultural production, including water and energy costs.

Senate Bill 253, which passed the Senate late yesterday, would revitalize conservation, providing assistance to agricultural producers who want to voluntarily make wildlife-friendly improvements on their land. The program would provide financial and technical assistance to create fish and wildlife habitat. It would provide added environmental benefits such as improved water quality, erosion control and conserved ground water. Eligible land would include cropland, rangeland, pastureland and other farm or ranch lands.

Among the bill’s numerous supporters are The Nature Conservancy, Rural County Representatives of California and the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts.

“SB 253 provides needed assistance for our farmers to address climate change and provide multiple conservation benefits through on-farm practices,” said Inyo County Supervisor Matt Kingsley, Chair of the Rural County Representatives of California.  “We thank Sen. Dodd for his leadership on this issue.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.