Valley News

3/29/2006 - Agriculture to get close look
By Jason Massad/Staff Writer - The Reporter, Vacaville, CA

Studies related to the future of agriculture in Solano County were approved Tuesday by the Solano County Board of Supervisors.

The studies were commissioned to take a harder look at the county's many acres of farmland, including the prized Suisun Valley.

The focus of the studies will be a comprehensive review of agriculture countywide as well as industry perceptions of how the county's farmers are faring, according to a county report.

The study could dovetail nicely with the update of the county's general plan, which outlines land use in the unincorporated areas, said county officials. The county's general plan could be updated as early as 2008.

"I think this will be valuable to connect with the (general plan,)" said Supervisor Mike Reagan.

The study will cost the county approximately $150,000. Two separate contracts will guide the study of the county's farmland.

The University of California, Davis, will study the county's agricultural potential everywhere except Suisun Valley. American Farmland Trust will evaluate the rich soils of the Suisun Valley.

The UC Davis study could be completed by 2007. The Suisun Valley study will attempt to adopt strategies that will advance the scenic area, which has a burgeoning wine scene.

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