California is the nation’s cornucopia, producing over a third of vegetables and nearly two-thirds of fruit and nuts eaten in the United States. Leading all other states in farm income, California maintains a $50-billion farm economy that provides countless jobs.

The state’s farming industry is equally important for its contribution to the environment and regional culture. With more than half of California’s land in agriculture, its landscapes draw tourism, promote diverse ecosystems, and mitigate climate change.

Despite the many benefits of California farmland and ranchland, increasing development pressures and the difficulties of farming have resulted in an average loss of nearly 50,000 acres of California farmland and ranchland each year.

We can no longer lose more irreplaceable farmland and ranchland that feeds and provides for our nation.