Authorize execution of an agreement with the Ujamaa Farmer's Collective providing state funds to support land acquisition for an educational farm and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/Tengolics)

The attached agreement (Att. A) regarding state funding passes through a Budget Act of 2022 appropriation totaling $1.25 million to the Ujamaa Farmer's Collective. These funds were allocated by the Board at its July 11, 2023, meeting during which the Board also approved a related agreement between the County and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (the state agency charged with implementing the Budget Act appropriation). Certain terms and provisions of that agreement are incorporated by reference into the County's agreement with the Ujamaa Farmer's Collective to ensure the County fulfills its reporting and other obligations to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. It is anticipated that the majority of the funds will be wired directly by the state into escrow to support the Collective's land acquisition for an educational farm, with the balance being used to acquire equipment to support farm operations. The agreement requires the Collective to sign and record a restrictive covenant ensuring that real property acquired with the appropriated funds is used for the intended purposes for at least 30 years.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation requires the County comply with CEQA in connection with distribution of the appropriated funds. Staff recommend filing a CEQA Notice of Exemption using the "general rule" exemption (also known as the "common sense" exemption). The activities contemplated by the Collective are described in Attachment A to the agreement included with this staff report. While the Collective's activities may include minor modifications to the land to improve its agricultural suitability, such as piping for irrigation of the 20-acre site, these activities are exempt from CEQA because they are routine and customary activities on agricultural properties and such activities are not anticipated to include well installation or other more resource-intensive changes. Accordingly, there is no potential for a significant effect on the environment.

General Services Department, County Counsel, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Ujamaa Farmer's Collective