Farmland Program

Sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices are good for the land and contribute to the vitality of local communities. Local farms create jobs and make healthy food options available while supporting the local economy.

Unfortunately, local farming faces an uncertain future with 46% of San Mateo County’s farms disappearing since 1990. Coastal farms and ranches are actively sought after by wealthy buyers for private estates. This has inflated land prices, making it harder for farmers to get started in the Bay Area.

This is why agricultural lands have become a priority for POST, representing a third of the land we’ve protected. We work with farm owners and operators to secure farmland and natural resources, protecting our agricultural heritage and sustaining future generations.

Land Protection

Protected nine farms and ranches totaling 1,858 acres.

Housing

Completed three farmworker housing projects providing a total of 22 bedrooms for workers and their families with more in the works.

Irrigation and Drinking Water

Completed nine wells, four springs and partnered with RCD on two farm ponds with three more ponds underway to give farmers water security and reduce creek withdrawals.

Agricultural Buildings

Repaired and constructed 13 barns/sheds for farm and livestock operations.

Agricultural Leases

Managed 18 farm and grazing leases to local operators on over 4,050 acres and replaced 12.5 miles of ranch perimeter fencing.

Repair and Restoration

Partnered with RCD on the Butano Creek reconnection and floodplain restoration projects and are planning for three more; replaced a bridge over Butano Creek.

Land Protection

$42,345,000 Invested: Since launching FFI, POST has invested over $42M to purchase land and conservation easements along the coast, preserving farms and rangeland.

Stewardship Projects

$4,853,000 Invested: Through FFI and public agency partnerships, POST has invested in farm and ranch infrastructure on the San Mateo Coast.