'Land for Food'
Sonoma County is launching the first phase of a project dedicated to providing garden spaces and increasing community access to healthy food. On Wednesday, April 4, a public meeting is being held where interested parties may learn more about the “County Land for Food Production” project. Organizers will hold an information session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Veteran’s Building at 1351 Maple Avenue in Santa Rosa to review project guidelines and sites.
People are encouraged to provide community feedback on the proposed application process and recommended guidelines.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Shirlee Zane commented, “Local foods are a lynchpin in our effort to improve the health of our community. This event is an opportunity for residents to learn how they can be part of this transformative effort which will yield a stronger, more vibrant economy and help us become the healthiest County in California.”
Supervisor Valerie Brown who spearheaded the County Land for Foods effort commented, “Our County’s residents will see tangible results from this collaborative effort. A huge ‘Thank You’ to all the departments for coming together and continuing to support local agriculture.”
“Sonoma County supports local agriculture and healthy communities,” said Stephanie Larson, director of the UC Cooperative Extension. “By using public land for gardening, the County has an opportunity to support the viability of local agriculture and increase access to healthy food.” This project entails a three phase process. The phased approach allows the County to respond in the short-term to the growing public desire for access to land for food production and provides appropriate time to determine the necessary processes and procedures for long-term implementation. The three phases include: Phase 1, Community Gardens; Phase 2, Small Farm Operations; and Phase 3, Grazing.”
The “County Land for Food Production” project represents the collaboration and dedication of several county departments and agencies including: UC Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Regional Parks Department, General Services Department, Sonoma County Water Agency, and Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. The project advances one of several recommended area of action identified by community stakeholders during the February 2011 Sonoma County Food Forum.
Anyone planning on attending is asked to
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This is one of the programs that I intend to champion as 1st district supervisor. A community garden is being created in Larson Park and will be a model for the county land for food production program.