Value the Topsoil

I was shocked by a recent proposal to develop city-owned agricultural land into privately owned commercial developments.

Ventura has some of the finest agricultural land in the world. Climate and soil conditions are unique here. In Germany, where topsoil is scarce, it is illegal to build on or destroy quality topsoil. When will Californians begin to value this gift?

I wish Ventura County’s agricultural business could enjoy a renaissance. I wish that organically grown produce, and the higher price it brings, could revitalize Ventura County’s agricultural community.

I saw raspberries in the market that were sent Federal Express from El Salvador. Why can’t we produce and ship produce at competitive rates? The markets also have red, yellow, orange and purple bell peppers from Holland at extravagant prices. Someone in Ventura County is missing out on an excellent business opportunity. Why can’t we Federal Express our bell peppers around the world?

With the current concern over the excessive use of pesticides, why can’t Ventura County agriculture set the standard for ecologically wise farming? I believe there is a demand for it.

We must decide if we are going to value our orchards and fields and use them wisely, or if we are going to hand them away to developers who will use them for private profit.

TINA ATKINS

Ventura