Sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices are good for the land and contribute to the vitality of local communities. Local farms create jobs and make healthy food options available while supporting the local economy.
Unfortunately, local farming faces an uncertain future with 46% of San Mateo County’s farms disappearing since 1990. Coastal farms and ranches are actively sought after by wealthy buyers for private estates. This has inflated land price, making it harder for farmers to get started in the Bay Area.
We work with farm owners and operators to secure farmland and natural resources, protecting our agricultural heritage and sustaining future generations.
At POST, we are working to reverse the trend of disappearing farmland through a combination of land acquisition, legal land protection and strategic investments in infrastructure.
Learn more about the work we’re doing to preserve farmland on the San Mateo coast and discover how you can help.
The agricultural heritage of the San Mateo Coast is central to POST’s work. Since 2015, shortly before launching our Farmland Futures Initiative, we have taken the following steps to preserve the future of local farmland through land protection and significant infrastructure improvements.
As of December 31, 2020:
Protected nine farms and ranches totaling 1,858 acres.
Completed three farmworker housing projects with two more in progress to provide 11 housing units with a total of 34 bedrooms.
Completed nine wells, four springs and partnered with RCD on two farm ponds with three more ponds underway to give farmers water security and reduce creek withdrawals.
Repaired and constructed 13 barns/sheds for farm and livestock operations.
Managed 18 farm and grazing leases to local operators on over 4,050 acres and replaced 12.5 miles of ranch perimeter fencing.
Partnered with RCD on the Butano Creek reconnection and floodplain restoration projects and are planning for three more; replaced a bridge over Butano Creek.
Our commitment to preserving the future of farming on the San Mateo Coast is reflected in our investments in the region since 2015.
As of December 31, 2020:
$42,345,000 Invested: Since launching FFI, POST has invested over $42M to purchase land and conservation easements along the coast, preserving farms and rangeland.
$4,853,000 Invested: Through FFI and public agency partnerships, POST has invested in farm and ranch infrastructure on the San Mateo Coast.