The proposed Office of Economic Development would support more agricultural businesses like Spina Pumpkin Patch, pictured above, that bring in revenue, create jobs, and raise awareness about the value of a thriving agricultural sector.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has taken an initial step to create an Office of Economic Development, with a focus on south county agriculture. If approved, the new office would implement economic development strategies from the 2018 Agricultural Plan and help local farmers connect with potential customers.

"We really need to take advantage of our own backyard," said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who proposed the new office. "South county has been underserved. There needs to be more resources allocated to my district than other districts because we are so far behind."

Focus Areas 7 and 8 of the Agricultural Plan specifically call for enhanced economic development and promoting education and awareness about the value of agriculture. Supervisor Arenas’ proposal to create an Office of Economic Development directly addresses those needs. With farmland comprising 54% of our county's area, there is an immense opportunity to develop a strong, regional brand identity that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage while creating new business opportunities and jobs in South County.

The initiative, discussed and voted upon at the December 10^th Board of Supervisors regular meeting,  aims to support the historically underserved region that hosts over 20,000 jobs and produced $371 million in agricultural revenue in 2023.

Former Supervisor Joe Simitian voted in favor of the initiative and emphasized agriculture's role in economic opportunity: "Ag provides a lot of the jobs that folks at modest means can use to generate at least an honest income and maybe have hope for their family to hang in and hang on."

Funding for the new office would accelerate the implementation of the Agricultural Plan, specifically the focus area of Branding, Education & Awareness. Some goals of this focus area include developing of a regional brand identity associated with Santa Clara Valley agriculture, forming partnerships with local institutions, prioritizing local farms and ranches in purchasing and procurement programs, strengthening urban/ rural partnerships throughout the county, and promoting “agro-eco literacy” in local K-12 education.

The Board is expected to finalize details and funding plans by February. For more information on the county’s ambitious Valley Agricultural Plan, visit us at https://www.centralcoastfarms.org/policy-regulations/santa-clara-valley-agricultural-plan