Ag Land Use Choices

The Impact of Agricultural Practices on the Environment, Social Equity and Economics: A Comparison of Open Field, Container Nursery and Greenhouse Farming,” is a comprehensive examination of three types of common agricultural practice in the County. The report provides a factual and balanced review of the trade-offs between various agricultural systems. It is designed for the general public and government decision-makers to aid in informed decision making.

Marty Melvin, a member of the Ventura County Ag Futures Alliance Land Use Committee, which authored the report, said “This report is the product of almost 12 months of review and study. We have attempted to provide a guide to help understand the impacts of changing agricultural practices in the County. The big take-away for me is that increasingly intensive agriculture, such as greenhouses, means different, but not necessarily greater community impacts. We will need new strategies to adjust to these impacts.”