The importance of agriculture in any community cannot be overstated. Equitable access to local, fresh, healthy food is a basic need for everyone. We are extremely fortunate to have hardworking and dedicated farmers and ranchers in Marin County. As of the 2017 farm census by the United States Department of Agriculture, there were approximately 343 family farms and 1,274 farmworkers working on 160,000 acres of land in Marin. Most of this land is dedicated to livestock, including sheep, goats, beef cattle and dairy cows. Marin also has around 300 acres of land for crop production, which includes leafy greens, vegetables, root crops, fruits and nursery stock, and thriving aquaculture businesses producing oysters, mussels and clams. Most of our ranches and farms are third- to fifth-generation family-owned operations that are designated as small farms or mini-farms.
The benefits that local family farms and ranches provide to Marin are numerous. They provide fresh, local, healthy food—the majority of which is certified organic—to farmers’ markets, farmstands, restaurants and grocery stores, and through community-supported agriculture programs. They reduce wildfire risk through grazing and firebreak roads. And they provide ecosystem benefits such as biodiversity and carbon sequestration, a process to capture and store carbon dioxide in the soils.
Annual gross sales for our agriculture industry total about $100 million, which does not include value-added products like cheese, ice cream, yogurt, olive oil and premium wine. When adding value-added commodities, the total gross sales reach about $320 million, which represents 6 percent to 7 percent of the county’s total economic output.
What does it mean to be a rancher or farmer? It isn’t easy. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate themselves to the land. Nearly every day is long, and the challenges are many: climate change impacts in the form of drought, fire, wind, rain, frost and heat; regulations; high feed costs; farm labor shortages; equipment failure; financing and insurance concerns; transportation costs; and competition from larger operations outside of Marin. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened these challenges by straining our food supply chains, requiring many producers to shift business models overnight.
When you ask a rancher or farmer if it’s worth it, they’ll tell you it absolutely is. Although the challenges are daunting at times, most of Marin’s ranchers and farmers are excellent land stewards and are looking for ways to make improvements. They take pride in supporting our community through the food they produce and services they provide. They understand that the land provides their livelihood and must be treated with care.
In 2017, small family farms accounted for 89 percent of all U.S. farms, and we believe this is reflective of Marin County. This percentage translates to approximately 305 small or mini-farms, and 38 mid-size to large farms. When comparing our large farms to agricultural operations in the Central Valley, Marin’s farms are much smaller overall in size and scope.
Ranchers and farmers in Marin are also generally land rich and cash poor. The average net income per farm in Marin is $56,419 and most rely on off-farm sources—meaning other jobs—for most of their household income, based on a 2020 U.S.D.A. Economic Research Study. For context, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development identified $54,800 as extremely low income and $91,350 as very low income for a Marin family of four in 2021.
When agricultural lands are not managed well, or when they are affected by circumstances beyond their control, many of the benefits they can provide are not realized. As partner organizations, we are committed to working with existing and new ranchers and farmers to help them implement best management practices and participate in land stewardship.
Supporting and preserving our local family farms is essential to protecting biodiversity, reducing wildfire risk and promoting climate resiliency. A local vibrant foodshed is vital to public health, our environment and our economy. Supporting our local food system will keep our ranches and farms viable and protect our shared natural resources for generations to come.
If you have questions about our local agriculture, please reach out to any of us: Stefan Parnay, Marin County Agricultural Commissioner, Director of Weights and Measures, at (415) 473.3217; Andy Naja-Riese, C.E.O., Agricultural Institute of Marin, at (415) 856.9680; Jennifer Maude Carlin, Interim Executive Director, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, at (415) 663.1158 ext. 315; Nancy Scolari, Executive Director, Marin Resource Conservation District, at (415) 663.1170; and David Lewis, Director, U.C. Cooperative Extension Marin, at (415) 473.4204.