New Techniques on Farms and Ranches will Help Fight Climate Change

Implementing Sustainability in Agricultural Practices

The California State Coastal Conservancy has awarded a $1 million grant to the Marin Resource Conservation District to plan and implement carbon farming projects that improve soil productivity, water sustainability, biological diversity, greenhouse gas sequestration for agriculture and watershed resiliency on ranches in western Marin County.

“This marks a new era for agriculture in West Marin,” said Nancy Scolari, Executive Director of the Marin RCD. “Thirteen years ago, we funded a small experiment to test carbon farming techniques to fight climate change. Now, carbon farming projects are the primary way we are achieving our mission of conservation and protection of the environment.”

Project Goals

In announcing the grant, the Coastal Conservancy said, “The project will enhance regional agricultural sustainability, climate resiliency, adaptability, and inclusivity by expanding the existing Carbon Farm Program in Marin County and by providing hands-on carbon farming and agricultural training to disadvantaged and disenfranchised communities.” The program also advances Marin County’s Climate Action Plan, which includes strategies to expand carbon farming by engaging 60 farms across 30,000 acres by 2030. The $1 million grant will expand the Marin RCD’s Carbon Farming Program and help it achieve the County’s Climate Action Plan’s goal.

Dennis Rodoni, Chair of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, said, “The Coastal Conservancy grant recognizes RCD’s great work in West Marin. The funding will help the RCD continue to improve the agricultural environment and to implement the County’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gasses with carbon farming.”

The grant requires substantial matching grants from other sources, including $225,000 in funds already secured from Measure A taxes in Marin County. The Marin RCD obtains funds and manages conservation projects that include fencing off creek beds, planting native trees and shrubs in critical areas, developing alternative drinking water sources for livestock and carbon farming. Based in Point Reyes Station, the Marin RCD has overseen nearly $30 million in agricultural conservation projects since it was formed in the 1960s.

For more information:

Nancy Scolari, Executive Director, Marin RCD — (415) 663–1170, ext. 301, nancy@marinrcd.org

The Resource Conservation Network gathers and shares the stories and ideas from its partners and colleagues. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the RCDs managing this publication.

Originally published at https://www.marinrcd.org on March 29, 2021.