Overview
Borne out of the Vital Lands Initiative, the Farmland for All program focuses on offering multiple tools and strategies for conserving agricultural lands while enhancing equitable access for farmers and ranchers. Through extensive conversations with stakeholders, a path toward permanent land ownership – through tools like buy-protect-sell – was identified as a high priority for many farmers and ranchers. This fresh and creative approach to increasing land access for agricultural operators is in response to major shifts occurring throughout the agricultural industry – skyrocketing property prices, existing farmers getting older and looking to retire, a rapidly changing climate, and the systemic barriers to people of color having the access and resources needed to purchase land.
Buy-Protect-Sell Pilot Program
The Buy-Protect-Sell pilot program aims to address barriers for farmers and ranchers looking to own their own land. Via a simple initial application process, Ag + Open Space will develop a pool of potential buyers, and will then identify, purchase, conserve, and sell a property to a potential buyer from that pool. Staff are looking to pilot the buy-protect-sell model with one property by the end of 2025.
Learn more about the program and how to apply here >>
Land Access Study
The Farmland for All program is informed by a study commissioned by Ag + Open Space, in partnership with UC Cooperative Extension and Sustainable Agriculture Education, to better understand the needs of limited resource farmers – a term used to refer to a farmer or rancher who has limited access to the funds and other forms of capital needed to support development of a financially sustainable agricultural operation. The study – Land Access and Land Tenure for Limited Resource Farmers: Assessment of Conditions and Opportunities in Sonoma County – also outlines recommended actions that Ag + Open Space and others can take to support equitable land access, secure land tenure, and associated farm business viability for limited resource farmers in the county.