Access to Land
The majority of farmers and ranchers in California do not own the land they manage. Oftentimes, aging landowners are willing and eager to rent their property to a new and energetic farmer. Whether you decide to buy, rent or lease, deciding on what you want to grow is a good place to start.
There are both private and public options when it comes to finding the right place. There are also other options, such as open space districts, parks and land trusts. In short, open spaces need managers. Whether you’re interested in farming vegetables, growing grass for livestock on rangelands, or producing fiber for textiles, there is lots of land in need of responsible land stewardship. Responsible land managers benefit the community and the environment while making a living for themselves and their families.
Resources for Finding Available Land
California FarmLink
California FarmLink invests in the “prosperity of farmers and ranchers through lending, education, and access to land.” According to their website, “Knowledge, capital and land are the foundations of sustainable businesses that can create wealth while conserving and enhancing natural resources. We believe that successful farm, ranch, and fisheries businesses can support local food systems, living-wage jobs, and a healthy environment.”
Rangeland Options
If you’re interested in rangeland management, there are private leases available (see FarmLink above) and/ or public lands that need managers. Many graziers have several leases and run livestock in different areas. Grazing is often used as tool by municipalities and open space districts or land trusts to achieve biological resource goals such as promoting native plant species and protecting wildlife habitat. For more information on leasing public lands, visit Santa Clara County’s Rangeland Management page.
Bay Area Rangelands are not only beautiful to look at, they are productive grass and oak woodlands that support wildlife, build soil, capture & store carbon, and produce food. To read more on the importance of maintaining and managing this important natural resource.