NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Growing Our Farms Forum will take place on Thursday, April 23, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Showcase Café on the Sonoma County Fairgrounds.

While there is growing demand for locally grown food, land availability is a major barrier facing farmers and ranchers looking to start or grow their farms.

This forum, convened by members of the Sonoma County Food System Alliance, will draw a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, public agencies and nonprofits, to share resources and collaboratively explore opportunities to increase the availability of land for food production in Sonoma County.

“Historically, Sonoma County has been a significant food producer in the Bay Area, and we should continue to provide numerous and diverse food and fiber products. The goal of this forum is to start the conversation about how more land can be made available for farmers and ranchers. How can we help keep our local producers here, so we all can benefit from their desire to provide healthy, local farm goods,” said Fourth District County Supervisor James Gore.

The average age of farmers in the United States is 58. There is a real need for a new generation of farmers to start learning from and transitioning with those looking to retire.

“We need young people to take over farms and ranches,” said Tim Tesconi, executive director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. “Farming is a tough business, and it's even harder when young people can't find land.”

One piece of the solution is to encourage landowners who are not using their land, to lease to farmers or ranchers.

“Leasing land to a farmer has many benefits, including a steady revenue stream, farm improvements, such as fencing and water infrastructure, which add property value, and helping to meet resource goals on the property,” said Frederick Smith of California FarmLink.

It's not only the soon-to-be retiring ranchers and farmers who should consider leasing their land. Rural residential properties may be part of the solution.

“Even a few acres can be enough for a new farmer to start a successful farm,” added Smith.

Refreshments will be provided. For details about the forum and to register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/growingourfarms .

Contact Linda Peterson at UC Cooperative Extension, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for more information.