By Jamie Martin
More than $128 million has been approved under California’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program to permanently protect 40,000 acres of farmland and rangeland across 24 counties. The funding also supports returning ancestral lands to Native American tribes and securing farmland for veterans and low-income communities.
"Land protection goes hand-in-hand with community needs – today’s grants work with Native communities, veterans, and farmers in low-income areas to ensure that California’s fertile farmland is put to good agricultural use, while protecting our environment, our unique habitats and biodiversity, and communities," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Eight of the awarded projects will return 11,316 acres to tribal ownership to promote cultural and traditional farming practices. “It has never been more important to protect California’s agricultural lands from conversion to more pollution-heavy land uses such as residential development,” said Erin Curtis, executive director of SGC. “SALC projects that support farmers, preserve habitats and protect our environment are a win-win-win, and we are so grateful for the partnership.”
A total of 52 grants were awarded, including several supporting veteran-owned farms and low-income areas. These projects aim to prevent farmland conversion, reduce pollution, and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
The investments are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.3 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent—comparable to removing over 777,000 gasoline vehicles from California roads.
With more than $400 million awarded over 10 funding rounds, the SALC Program has conserved 240,000 acres to date. Working with the Strategic Growth Council’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program, SALC ensures California continues to balance housing needs with long-term land and environmental conservation.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: National