SALC 2.0

Project Contact:

Michael Blackmun |  AgConservation@sdcounty.ca.gov  |  619-915-9730

Project

In December of 2022, the San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), in partnership with the County of San Diego’s (County) Planning & Development Services Department, was awarded a $450,000 Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) planning grant as a major extension of the previous SALC grant work completed by LAFCO and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County.

The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation 2.0 (SALC 2.0) Project aimed to support existing and emerging farmers through timely market research and, in doing so, curb the premature conversion of agricultural lands. The project deliverables will serve to inform local agencies’ decision-making to further aid, preserve, and maximize the vital contributions – economic, environmental, and public health benefits – that small-scale farms offer the region.

Solidarity Farm in Pauma Valley, CA. Photo Credit: San Diego County Food Vision 2030

SALC 2.0 Final Report: Cultivating Solutions

The County of San Diego is pleased to announce that the SALC 2.0 Final Report is now available. The Final Report, prepared by both PDS and LAFCO, provides a comprehensive economic assessment of the region (Market and Gap Analysis) and outlines data‑driven strategies to support long‑term farm viability (Strategic Action Plan). Read the Final Report and supporting documents below.

SALC 2.0 Final Report: Cultivating Solutions

Appendix 1 – Community Input Summary

Appendix 2 – Market Analysis

Appendix 3 – Gap Analysis

Appendix 4 – Strategic Action Plan

Board Memo

PDS formally shared the SALC 2.0 Final Report with the Board of Supervisors through a Board Memo on June 17, 2026. The Board Memo also included an analysis that identified existing County efforts that align with the Strategic Action Plan. This will help the County leverage existing efforts to move the Strategic Actions forward while County staff pursues additional funding opportunities. Read the Board Memo below.

Memo to the Board of Supervisors - June 17, 2026

Attachment B - County Alignment with SALC 2.0 Strategic Actions

Background

Declining agricultural trends in San Diego County, if not carefully addressed, will continue to negatively impact our local farming communities, our rural economies, and the larger San Diego region. In order to deliver meaningful and impactful solutions for our struggling farming communities, particularly small farms, it is critical to identify the true underlying causes specific to the San Diego region. Sustainable agriculture promotes the economic viability of agriculture while preserving natural resources and the environment, relying on detailed planning based on timely information to effectively account for present and emerging market conditions.

The SALC Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Past Outreach

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6 PM - Project Close-Out: Findings & Next Steps

At this virtual public workshop, staff shared key findings from the Final Report and the project’s next steps. 

  • Presentation Slides (English and Español)*

November 10th - December 10th, 2025 - Public Review Period for Draft Strategic Action Plan 

The County of San Diego and the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) invited the public to review and comment on the SALC 2.0 Draft Strategic Action Plan. The Plan provides a locally grounded framework to strengthen the long term economic sustainability of agriculture in San Diego County. Developed with extensive input from the region’s agricultural stakeholders, it is designed as a practical toolkit for local governments, public agencies, and partner organizations to use in strengthening the region’s agricultural economy.

Public feedback received during the review period was reviewed and incorporated into the SALC 2.0 Final Report.

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 at 9:00 AM – Forum for Cultivating Solutions

This in-person workshop convened local producers, industry experts, County staff, and interested members of the public to discuss key findings from the Market and Gap Analyses, provide input to shape the Strategic Plan, and explore actionable strategies to improve the economic sustainability of small farms in San Diego County. The Forum featured an open house, a panel discussion, and interactive breakout sessions focused on policy, land access, profitability, and food systems.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 4:30 PM – Market Analysis Open House @ San Diego County Farm Bureau 

At this in-person workshop, staff engaged in discussions on the costs and profitability of farming in San Diego County. Staff also presented key findings from an analysis of the 2022 Census of Agriculture and gathered data and feedback from attendees. 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 6 PM – Project Kickoff & Crop Selection Virtual Meeting

At this meeting, staff presented an overview of the project and the approach to selecting the focal crops for the market and gap analysis. Participants asked questions and provided their thoughts on the project.

Subscribe to Project Updates

To be notified of future opportunities to participate and other announcements on SALC 2.0, please contact us at AgConservation@sdcounty.ca.gov to be added to our mailing list.

*These documents are provided for reference only and any posted before 04/26/27 may not meet current ADA accessibility standards. If you need this information in an accessible format, please contact us at CAP@sdcounty.ca.gov.