The strongest root of San Benito County showed signs of
continued, upward movement this week, as a report signaled that the
local industry took steps in the right direction in 2006.
The strongest root of San Benito County showed signs of continued, upward movement this week, as a report signaled that the local industry took steps in the right direction in 2006.
Agriculture production topped out at $270,940,000 last year, marking the 10th consecutive year of growth here.
The annual crop report, released this week by the San Benito County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office, shows that despite hardships – including the 2006 E. coli outbreak that was linked to San Juan Bautista – agriculture continues to flourish here. Despite that after the E. coli outbreak more than $5 million of spinach went unsold, production of the leafy green vegetable actually increased in 2006.
We hope to see continued production growth in years to come and expect our elected officials to ensure farming and ranching remain sustainable and profitable industries in San Benito County.
There are many obstacles to continued agricultural growth. First and foremost is development. With the city’s moratorium on new sewer connections scheduled to end, development is on everyone’s mind. More than 1,192 units are scheduled for development in the coming years, a backlog from five years of stagnation.
As many farmers and ranchers know, much of the county’s agricultural land already is being encroached upon and swallowed by development. The closer development comes to farmland, the harder it is for such open spaces to be productive for agriculture.
We as a community must come together to find and emphasize a balance between agriculture and development that maintains the sanctity of our precious roots while accommodating the type of smart, managed growth that can allow for economic development.
Certainly, we cannot shut our doors to new homes, businesses and other commercial enterprises. They are the lifeblood of healthy, growing communities like ours. But we must find a way to preserve our agriculture and accommodate economic growth at the same time.
Highlights of the crop report include:
Production increased nearly 1 percent in 2006 compared to 2005.
Despite a heat wave, growers managed to show positive gains on most crops.
Livestock production increased $5 million in 2006 over 2005.
Production was up more than $100 million from 1994.
In coming years we hope to see increased local ownership of agricultural operations, consumption of locally grown food and safe, sustainable farming practices.
We are at a crossroads – while held back by the moratorium for now – but the flood gates are set to open and we must have a solid plan for growth in Hollister that fits with the region’s farming and ranching roots.
