Solano County Supervisors Address Agricultural Initiative and Water Framework

The Solano County Board of Supervisors convened on Tuesday to discuss significant updates regarding the Solano County Strategic Initiative for Agriculture and the One Water Framework. Agricultural Commissioner Ed King presented an overview of the agricultural initiative, which is supported by a planning grant from the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. This initiative aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to balance agricultural needs with urban development.

Since its inception just over a year ago, the initiative has established a steering committee and two supporting committees focused on Food and Agriculture and Land Use and Infrastructure. The latter includes representatives from all cities within the county, various Resource Conservation Districts, Solano LAFCO, UC Cooperative Extension, and county staff. The committees have met multiple times, including four steering committee meetings, three meetings on Food and Agriculture, and two dedicated to Land Use and Infrastructure.

In her presentation, consultant Serena Unger emphasized the importance of land use assessments in facilitating interagency cooperation. “The assessment provides a decision-making tool to help inform choices,” Unger stated, highlighting its role in balancing community growth with agricultural sustainability. She noted that the county aims to limit urban sprawl and prevent the encroachment of urbanization on agricultural lands. The initiative will create a “farms under threat” mapping criterion and potentially expand the agricultural reserve overlay.

The review will also address the effectiveness of the Orderly Growth Initiative, with plans to modernize zoning ordinances and explore the integration of agrovoltaics. Unger indicated that collaboration with Solano LAFCO is crucial for aligning city growth with agricultural land preservation and economic development. “This means establishing an ongoing commitment between the cities, the county, and LAFCO,” she explained.

Experts at the meeting noted that Solano County has the potential to serve as a conduit for new agricultural technologies developed at or around UC Davis to benefit both the Bay Area and the Central Valley. Staff plan to provide a final report on the initiative by the end of 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of the grant period. This report is expected to include a variety of recommendations based on the initiative’s findings.

During public comments, Supervisor Wanda Williams expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts and raised concerns about the challenges faced by smaller farms in the county. Lisa Howard from the Suisun Valley Vintners and Growers Association commended the staff for their engagement with stakeholders, stating, “We are really well informed; we really feel like we are part of the process.”

Conversely, Duane Kromm of the Orderly Growth Committee voiced frustration over the perceived shortcomings of the Orderly Growth Initiative in protecting agricultural land. He highlighted the thriving agrotourism industry in Suisun Valley and posed a question about the rate of agricultural land loss in Solano compared to other counties. Kromm called for a summit between stakeholders prior to the next general plan update, referencing previous discussions among board members.

In a separate presentation, Misty Kaltreider, the Water and Natural Resources Program Manager, introduced the One Water Framework as a foundational element of a broader utilities master plan. Kaltreider emphasized the critical role of water in supporting agriculture and economic development in unincorporated areas. Consultant Sachi Itagaki supported Kaltreider’s presentation, indicating that the framework aligns with the county’s general plan update.

The One Water Framework will evaluate all utility-scale water sources in the county and includes a steering committee with over two dozen stakeholders. It encompasses representatives from each city, water purveyors, and various special districts, all of which have participated in eight steering committee and review meetings.

The framework proposes three multi-benefit conceptual projects: a Waterway Maintenance and streamlined permitting project in Suisun Valley, Regional Coordination for Multi-Benefit Drainage and Groundwater Recharge in Dixon Ridge, and Water Supply and Wastewater Assessment Studies for Green Valley and Suisun Valley. The final framework will be available for public comment on the county website until January 22, 2024, with a comprehensive update to be presented to the board in the spring.