[From the ACE 199 "Farm, Food & Environmental Policy" experiential learning study tour, spring break 2015]

The topic of the day is land protection and we started out at the Dolcini Ranch in Marin County. The Dolcini Ranch specializes in organic vegetable production, free-range egg production, and an overall sustainable farming policy. While at the ranch, our group was able to ask Kitty Dolcini, owner, questions about land protection, specifically the preservation of her family farm. Kitty explained the importance of Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), which was able to pay Kitty for her property easement, in return for the land to be continuously farmed and never urbanized.

The second stop of our journey brought us to the Giacomini Dairy Farm, a 360-head cattle farmstead also in Marin County. This farm specializes in making artisan cheese, specifically bleu. While at the farm we learned that MALT has purchased nearly half of Marin County for $65 million, helping to permanently control urbanization and ensure the land stays in agriculture.

After lunch, we had the chance to speak with Ralph Grossi, former president of the American Farmland Trust, and David Lewis, Marin County Cooperative Extension for University of California. Our entire group had a wholesome discussion on all aspects of California agriculture and all of its political and environmental pressures, including farming practices and land preservation.

After the discussion, our group was able to wrap up our day at the Point Reyes National Park Seashore, where we interacted with park employees and explored the preserved wilderness and agricultural land first-hand. Our host, Ralph Grossi, graciously hosted us at his house for dinner and another follow-up discussion on California agriculture.

Interesting Facts Learned:

• Marin County has a specific agriculture environment, with their micro-climates and highly affluent population making for diverse production and niche markets such as organic milk and grass-fed beef.
• The grape production in Marin County is used for high-end wine production. Grapes can sell for upwards of $5,000/ton, which is much higher than mass-production in the lower California counties.
• The growth of San Francisco’s urbanization can be felt infringing on Marin County, as the Golden Gate Bridge is located only 28 miles away from this rural, farming community.

Of course, we would like to thank Ralph Grossi, and his wife Judy again for serving us such an amazing meal. Also, we graciously thank the Giacomini Diary Farm and Cow Girl Creamery for the specialty cheese samples and tours.