Agricultural ombudsman streamlines process for farmers and ranchers

 

Ombudsman consults with producer planning diversification project.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors recognized the need for an agricultural consultant to provide training for county staff to help them understand the issues and concerns facing local agricultural producers and, equally as important, to enhance the economic development of local farms and ranches. A void existed between farmers and ranchers who needed help, and the lengthy and sometimes confusing processes they needed to negotiate at the county in order to improve and optimize their operations.

 

 
Working together, Marin County and UC Cooperative Extension staff created and developed the position of an agricultural ombudsman. This is a pioneering effort, as there are no such positions in Northern California. The agricultural ombudsman has heightened agricultural awareness and consideration in county planning and policy development activities. By providing training in such areas as farm worker housing regulations, water supply, water quality and stream protection, use of agricultural easements, markets, and support systems, the agricultural ombudsman has provided valuable information to county employees and farmers and ranchers alike. During face-to-face visits with producers, including field trips to dairies, farms and ranches, led by the ombudsman, county employees have gained an increased understanding of the needs and constraints of agricultural producers. Equally important, the ag ombudsman has helped farmers and ranchers understand the county permitting process, overcome permitting glitches, and linked farmers and ranchers with appropriate county staff. The program has been so successful that a neighboring county is currently using it as a model in developing its own version.
 

 
Eighteen county staff from the Community Development Agency and Department of Public Works have participated in training and education on county planning and policy development regarding agriculture. Twenty-one agricultural producers have used the ag ombudsman’s assistance with business development and guidance through the county permitting process. Participating county staff and ag producers indicated in an exit survey that the ag ombudsman program was “very useful” (17 responses). The ag ombudsman and her Agriculture Support Team were recognized by the Marin County Board of Supervisors as “Outstanding Employee Team of the Quarter” in 2006 for their efforts.
 

 
“Now that I understand the urgency and financial constraints of agricultural producers, I’m able to advise them of the most effective/expeditious way to get them through the process.” – county staffer after ag ombudsman training
 

Ellie Rilla, (415) 499-4204, erilla@ucdavis.edu