Efforts to Protect Agricultural Land from Big Business in California
There are new efforts underway at the California State Capitol to stop agricultural land from being bought up by big businesses. It comes after the discovery that a wealthy investor group has been purchasing thousands of acres of farmland near Travis Air Force Base.
Concerns and Actions
“Phones in my office have been ringing off the hook,” said Senator Bill Dodd, who represents communities around the airbase. He added, “It is job one to protect the land around there from encroachment on that airport.”
Since 2018, a group known as Flannery Associates has bought up more than 50,000 acres of farmland nearby. “Flannery associates has now surrounded three sides, 75% of Travis Air Force Base,” said California Representative John Garamendi.
Now, news reports have unveiled some of the group’s wealthy investors. “The names are very prominent in Silicon Valley,” Dodd said. They include venture capital billionaires and even the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. “Flannery Associates is using secrecy, bullying and mobster tactics to force generational farm families to sell,” Garamendi said.
That’s prompting lawmakers to consider new efforts to prevent these types of anonymous land grabs. “What happens if a hostile actor purchases the land and we don’t know what they want to use that land for,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado, who represents Bakersfield.
Proposals to Protect Farmland
So what proposals are being considered to protect farmland? Ideas include:
- More disclosure of agricultural land purchases
- Prohibiting foreign ownership of farms
- New tax credits and conservation easements to help growers
“This will help keep agriculture land in production while preserving the rural ag economy,” Garamendi said.
A survey indicates Flannery is considering a futuristic new city on the farmland, but others say that threatens the future of the airbase. “Travis AFB cannot operate surrounded by skyscrapers, wind turbines, tract homes or other kinds of development right up to the fence line,” Garamendi said. “No military base can.”
Work is also being done at the federal level to pay money to farmers near military bases to conserve their property strictly for agricultural uses. That program has already preserved more than 7,000 acres around Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County.
Conclusion
The efforts to protect agricultural land from big business acquisitions in California are gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Lawmakers are recognizing the importance of safeguarding farmland and preventing anonymous land grabs. By implementing proposals such as increased disclosure, prohibiting foreign ownership, and providing tax credits and conservation easements, the aim is to preserve agricultural land while supporting the rural ag economy. Additionally, efforts at the federal level are underway to conserve farmland near military bases, ensuring its continued agricultural use. These initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger, and Goal 15: Life on Land, which emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture and land conservation.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article are related to agricultural land grabs, protecting farmland, and preserving the rural ag economy. These issues are connected to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the article discusses the potential development of a futuristic city on farmland, which relates to SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities. Lastly, the article mentions the need to conserve agricultural land for military bases, aligning with SDG 15’s objective of protecting and restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women.
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.
The specific targets identified based on the article’s content are as follows:
- Under SDG 2, the target of doubling agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, by 2030 is relevant as the article discusses the impact of land grabs on generational farm families.
- For SDG 11, the target of enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management by 2030 is applicable as the article mentions the potential development of a futuristic city on farmland.
- Regarding SDG 15, the target of integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts by 2020 is relevant as the article highlights the need to conserve agricultural land for military bases.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.3: Agricultural productivity and income levels of small-scale food producers, particularly women.
- Indicator for SDG 11.3: Inclusive and sustainable urbanization practices and policies.
- Indicator for SDG 15.9: Integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values in national and local planning processes.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- For SDG 2.3, the indicator can be the increase in agricultural productivity and income levels of small-scale food producers, with a specific focus on women involved in farming.
- Under SDG 11.3, the indicator can be the implementation of inclusive and sustainable urbanization practices and policies, ensuring participatory planning and management of human settlements.
- Regarding SDG 15.9, the indicator can be the extent to which ecosystem and biodiversity values are integrated into national and local planning processes, including the consideration of these values in development strategies and poverty reduction efforts.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women. | Agricultural productivity and income levels of small-scale food producers, particularly women. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Inclusive and sustainable urbanization practices and policies. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts. | Integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values in national and local planning processes. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cbsnews.com
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