Charity run through California vineyard benefits ag conservation

Every year, about 50,000 acres of agricultural land in California is lost to other uses, often urban development. To preserve prime farmland for agriculture, the California Farmland Trust has been working with willing farmers for nearly 20 years to place their development rights into trusts that ensure that farms remain farms.

Most of the funding to buy those development rights comes from federal and state agricultural protection programs, along with sponsorships by philanthropical organizations including Farm Credit. Another source of funding comes directly from the community.

The third annual Race to Slow the Pace 5K and 10K fundraiser , set for Sept. 17 in Lodi, Calif., will give trail runners and community advocates a chance to help preserve farmland — and get a nice glass of wine and a bowl of paella at the same time, according to a news release.

Runners will weave their way through the scenic vineyard at Bokisch while taking in the vines, the habitat and the value of open space that farmland provides. Participants can connect with the local community and demonstrates their support of agriculture in this family-, stroller- and pet-friendly event designed to get people out into the beauty of Lodi and a working vineyard.

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“The name is a play off of racing to slow the pace of urbanization of farmland. It’s a way to connect consumers with the farmlands we’re protecting, and to make sure that we still have farmland in the future on which to raise food and fiber,” California Farmland Trust Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell said in the release.

The Race to Slow the Pace will take place at Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi. Presented in partnership with the John and Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation, the course will wind through the vineyards and end underneath Bokisch’s oak tree picnic area where participants can enjoy a glass of wine and paella, according to the release.

Mitchell said while runners are encouraged to run their race at the winery, virtual runs are also possible where runners pick the time and location that works for them. For more information and to register, visit the Race to Slow the Pace website.

Safeguarding agricultural land for generations to come  

The California Farmland Trust was formed in 2004 after three regional land trusts banded together to protect farmland through agricultural conservation easements. Since then the trust has protected 17,606 acres on 81 farms in six Central Valley counties, according to the release. When farmers agree to have easements placed on their properties, they sell or donate the right to develop the land to the trust, which cannot exercise that right, the release said.

“It’s important that we raise our food in the U.S. instead of relying on other countries,” Mitchell said. “That’s why we’re working to protect prime farmland while allowing cities to expand services and provide housing.” 

As part of its efforts to support nonprofits making a difference in California agriculture, three farm credit organizations serving the state’s farmers and ranchers — AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit and CoBank — have sponsored the California Farmland Trust for the past several years. The organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture, the release said.

“The Central Valley makes up just 1% of the nation’s farmland, but produces 50% of all the produce, fruits and vegetables consumed in the U.S.,” Kevin Ralph, California state president for AgWest Farm Credit, said in the release. “Farm Credit believes that supporting the Farmland Trust is an important way to ensure that our farmland remains farmland for generations to come, and we look forward to again being a part of the Race to Slow the Pace.”

Creating the easement is completely voluntary, but it is permanent once one is in place. Mitchell noted that each easement is different, tailored to the desires of the landowner, the interests of the trust and the unique characteristics of the land. 

Among benefits for farmers is that placing an easement on the land ensures their farm will remain a farm forever. It’s a way to keep the farms intact through inheritances or other ownership changes and it can provide an infusion of cash for farming operations, debt reduction or other uses.

The 81 farms currently protected from development are in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Stanislaus, Merced and Madera counties, but Mitchell said that California Farmland Trust is currently working to protect farms in Fresno County as well.