Measure J: A Threat to Sustainable Farming in Sonoma County
Sonoma County Conservation Action (SCCA) is OPPOSED to Measure J which has been submitted for voter consideration on the November 2024 Ballot by a group named the Coalition to End Factory Farming. The SCCA Board, after careful deliberation and consultation with its many local environmental and agricultural partners, is opposing Measure J because it will have a negative impact on Sonoma County’s sustainable, small, and organic farming communities and, it will not advance Sonoma County’s well-known leadership in supporting programs that fight climate change and environmental degradation. While Measure J was undoubtedly written with the intention of addressing environmental and animal welfare issues, it will unintentionally undermine the County’s large community of sustainable agriculture in the name of terminating a very few farms that do not comply with the type of agricultural practices SCCA supports. There are better pathways to remediating problematic agricultural practices. SCCA joins with the Sierra Club, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, Community Alliance with Family Farmers – Sonoma, and many others, to oppose Measure J.
Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Measure J will likely lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions due to increased reliance on out-of-county food sources. Transporting food over long distances significantly increases carbon footprints. Local food systems minimize this impact by reducing transportation needs, ensuring fresher produce with lower emissions. Studies show that the environmental impact of transportation is relatively small compared to the emissions from food production itself, but increasing transportation still adds to the carbon footprint (Our World in Data).
Effective Water Quality Management
Existing regulations already effectively manage water quality impacts from local dairies and poultry farms. Local farms comply with stringent water quality standards, employing advanced waste management systems to prevent pollution and ensure efficient resource use, thereby protecting local water resources. Disrupting these systems with Measure J could lead to increased environmental degradation (NRCS – USDA; SARE).
Ensuring Local Food Security and Sustainability
Measure J threatens local food security by reducing access to fresh, affordable, and organic food. Supporting local farmers is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and resilient local food system. Local farms provide fresh, organic produce that supports both health and the environment. Locally produced food generates more economic activity within the community, which helps in sustaining local economies (Rodale Institute).
Support for Environmentally Responsible Farming
Sonoma County’s dairy and poultry farms are leaders in sustainable and organic farming practices. These farms implement environmentally friendly practices, such as rotational grazing and organic feed, that align with broader sustainability goals and reduce the use of synthetic chemicals. Practices like these contribute significantly to soil health and biodiversity (IFOAM – Organics International; World Agroforestry).
Economic and Environmental Interdependence
Measure J could disrupt the local economy, leading to job losses and economic instability. A stable local economy is essential for maintaining and investing in sustainable farming practices. Economic stability allows farmers to invest in sustainable practices, enhancing long-term environmental health. The interdependence between economic viability and environmental sustainability is crucial for the long-term success of our community (St. Louis Fed; Cambridge Core).
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Local farms contribute to maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems through practices like polyculture and crop rotation. These practices support diverse species, enhance soil fertility, and reduce the need for chemical inputs. Measure J threatens these beneficial practices by imposing blanket restrictions that do not consider the nuances of sustainable farming (Cambridge Core).
Energy Efficiency
Local farming operations are generally more energy-efficient than large-scale industrial farming. Small and medium-sized farms often use less energy for production and transportation, resulting in a lower overall environmental footprint. Measure J could force local farms out of business, increasing reliance on less energy-efficient, imported food sources. Energy efficiency in farming practices helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainability (Our World in Data).
Community and Environmental Education
Local farms play a crucial role in environmental education and community engagement. Many offer educational programs that teach sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, fostering a community that values and works towards environmental sustainability. Measure J threatens these programs by destabilizing the farms that provide them. These initiatives are vital for raising awareness and promoting environmental responsibility (FAO; SARE).
Long-term Environmental Effects
Prohibiting CAFOs could lead to increased pressure on remaining agricultural lands, resulting in more intensive use and potential land degradation. By maintaining a diverse range of farming operations, including CAFOs, the land can be used more sustainably, reducing the need for converting natural habitats into agricultural land (NRCS – USDA). Local, diversified farming practices support long-term soil health and fertility. Practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and responsible grazing improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and reduce erosion, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability (Rodale Institute). Local farms enhance climate resilience by maintaining diverse crops and livestock, which can better withstand climate variability and extreme weather events (Our World in Data).
Conclusion
Opposing Measure J supports the continuation of sustainable, local farming practices that protect the environment, ensure food security, and maintain a resilient local economy. Measure J threatens Sonoma County’s high standards for dairies and poultry farms, which are vital for sustainable agriculture and community well-being. Our organization, along with OAEC, CAFF, and the Sierra Club, stands against Measure J to preserve these benefits for future generations.
