Cannabis Threatens Avocado Growers’ Survival

Contrary to the op-ed “Farming Is Fundamental,” in fact, the growing cannabis industry is threatening county agriculture – real agriculture – food agriculture

First, a quick matter of terminology: according to the State of California, cannabis is not an agricultural crop; it is a product. It is not covered by the Right to Farm law which protects food farmers. Cannabis is a product people use for health or to get high, both of which I totally support.

I am a real farmer – a food farmer. I grow 13 acres of organic avocados in Carpinteria and rent 40 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley to an organic vegetable grower. I too love the land and the miracle of growing and other nice things about farming. I agree that Santa Barbara County “is what it is today thanks to agriculture.” Well, agriculture and a beautiful coast, and magnificent valleys, and a perfect climate, and a world class university. But, yes, ag has always been important. It is very important to me and other food growers and eaters of local food.