> Subject: Coastal Agriculture Element of the proposed LCP> Date: Wed, September 30, 2015 12:43 pm> To: PRMD-LCP-Update@sonoma-county.org> --------------------------------------------------------------------------> > Dear PRMD,> > I am writing to comment on the Coastal Agriculture Element of the proposed> LCP.> > I object specifically to the language that actively promotes additional> events and tourism in an area that simply cannot handle increased traffic> or water use. This coastal area is unique and fragile. Its preservation> is important to both residents and visitors. The rural coastal area is> completely different from inland areas, and should be protected, not> developed.> > Agriculture is important to this area, and there are many residents who> farm and manage timberland with love of the place and respect for the> natural resources. However, the word promoting is very alarming.> Tasting rooms and large-scale or frequent events are not agriculture, but> could be the next step if this language remains in the plan.> > Specifically, the language in the Proposed LCP Coastal Agriculture Element> that I feel should be removed, since it opens up the Coast to the> development of alcohol based industrial event centers, is presented below:> > While economic pressure on farmers and ranchers to subdivide or convert> their land to non-agricultural uses is not a major issue on the Sonoma> County Coast, successful promoting and marketing of agriculture on the> Coast can reduce this type of pressure on farmers and ranchers. In the> future, Sonoma County can expect challenges to its resources, particularly> energy and water. Currently many inland farms, ranches, and agricultural> businesses are finding innovative ways to implement renewable resource> programs and conserve energy, water and soil while increasing the economic> viability of agriculture and thereby strengthening the local food system.> Economic sustainability is being encouraged through niche marketing,> direct marketing, and evolving practices improving farm business> management and inter-generational transfer of farms and ranches. The> organic agriculture industry has grown rapidly. The success of this> industry is projected to influence the agricultural economy in the coming> decades. In addition to generating additional income, this industry has> the advantage of providing diversity in the agricultural base of inland> areas and could do the same for the agricultural base of the Sonoma County> Coast. This Element establishes policies which will assist in promoting

> and marketing agricultural products grown or processed on the Coast.> > Therefore, I respectfully request that the above language be eliminated> from the proposed LCP Ag Element or a specific prohibition of> winery/alcohol event centers in Agricultural zoned areas added.> > > Thank you,> Drucilla Hamilton> Timber Cove resident> >