A Farmland Preservation Model for the City of Turlock
Abstract
This planning report was prepared in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the granting of a Master of Urban Planning Degree by San Jose State University and addresses the question of what process and policies should the City of Turlock, California implement to promote farmland preservation. I was born and raised in Turlock and have witnessed the conversion of prime farmland for urban development, primarily residential, over the last decade. Growth has historically occurred in Turlock through the annexation of productive farmland, causing urban sprawl. This type of growth is not smart growth and is detrimental to agricultural production and the agricultural industry as it often results in conflicts between farm and non-farm residents.
As the population in California and the Central Valley continues to increase, so does the need for additional housing. Turlock and the Central Valley have become a resting ground for residents seeking affordable housing outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Silicon Valley. While it is necessary to provide affordable housing units for the influx of new residents, it is equally important to preserve farmland-surrounding Turlock. It is not the intent of this report to discourage growth, instead encourage growth toward urban areas and away from productive farmland.
The conversion of productive farmland not only eliminates a natural resource but it also affects the economy. Elimination of productive farmland is a local and regional loss as agricultural and agricultural related industries are the leading industry in Turlock and Stanislaus County. The majority of farmland surrounding Turlock is rated as prime or of Statewide Importance by the United States Department of Agriculture's Soil Service and is particularly suitable for intensive farming due to the excellent soil, climate, and water supply. Despite the advances in technology, scientists are not able to recreate the elements that compose prime farmland. The conversion of farmland surrounding Turlock for urban development would result in the permanent loss of prime farmland. This loss would result in the decline of employment and greatly affect the Turlock and Stanislaus County industry. Implementation of farmland preservation regulations in the City of Turlock would support the continuation and longevity of agricultural production and industry in and around Turlock.
