Implementation
Create programs that facilitate communication between farmers of specialty crops and other climate-sensitive crops and agricultural specialists to inform and advise future agricultural practices in light of a potentially drier and hotter climate.
Provide financial support to farmers of specialty crops and other climate-sensitive crops for changes to irrigation systems associated with drought-adapted varieties to ensure continued agricultural productivity during future years of variable and uncertain precipitation.
Incentivize water conservation and efficiency in the agricultural sector through incentive and rebate programs to manage water resources through increasingly efficient delivery, storage, and recycling of water, and enhance soil health through management practices such as reduced tillage and the use of cover crops.
The County may work with the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, resource conservation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other organizations to understand best practices and to engage the agricultural sector.
Benefits: Increased communication and financial support within the agricultural sector of the County would allow farmers to transition and adapt to a hotter and potentially drier climate. As a major economic driver for the County, as well as a contributor to the local food security of the County and State, it will be imperative that the agricultural sector adapt quickly to a changing climate. Implementation of the aforementioned actions would improve the sector’s resiliency.
Timeframe: Near term
