Authorize the Chair to sign a letter urging UC Agriculture and Natural Resources to carefully consider potential sites in Yolo County for the location of the Plant, an innovation center intended to advance the future of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental stewardship. (No general fund impact) (Webb/Tengolics) 

Authorize the Chair to sign a letter urging UC Agriculture and Natural Resources to carefully consider potential sites in Yolo County for the location of the Plant, an innovation center intended to advance the future of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental stewardship.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) division has issued an RFP for site selection for "The Plant @ California," an innovation center intended to advance the future of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and environmental stewardship. The Plant @ California is envisioned as a multidisciplinary hub that will facilitate collaboration between academia and industry and technology commercialization. The facility will host research laboratories, demonstration projects, training and workforce development programs, and spaces for collaboration between university and private-sector industry researchers.

The Plant presents a significant economic development opportunity for the County and the region. Staff is aware that several jurisdictions and developers across the County will likely be applying. In an effort to be broadly supportive of the Plant locating generally in Yolo County, staff recommends the Board authorize the Chair to sign the attached letter of support.