California's Lost Farmland: Yawn Or Crisis?

Urban growth in Northern California is growaing at an alarming pace, according to a study by the California Department of Conservation.

1 minute read

July 1, 2001, 9:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


A study conducted by the California Department of Conservation(DOC) has found that Santa Clara andAlameda counties lost nearly 7,270 acres of farmland and open spacebetween 1998 and 2000. The roughly 1 percent losses represent anaccelerated decline in Santa Clara, and a slower decline in Alameda.Gilroy and the Tri-Valley area experienced the most pronouncedurbanization over the period studied. Reaction to the study was mixed;farmers expressed concern that farmland loss will make Californiansdependent on outside suppliers for food, much like energy. Stateplanners say the upcoming Central Valley study should raise concernsthroughout the state.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Friday, June 29, 2001 in San Jose Mercury News

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