Conservancy Seeks to Foster Better Farm-City Relations

A new program to educate valley residents who live or are considering living near agricultural land is being developed by the Ojai Land Conservancy, said Jim Engel, the conservancy’s executive director.

The agriculture education program will be created with funds from a $4,350 grant the conservancy received from the Hansen Trust of Santa Paula and $3,600 in individual donations from the Ojai Valley’s agricultural community.

“We are looking forward to facilitating a better understanding between the agricultural and residential community,” said John Broesamie, the conservancy’s president.

A brochure will discuss the benefits and challenges of living near agricultural lands. The brochure will also include contact numbers for those seeking further information or needing to express concerns. Brochures will be distributed to real estate offices, at public events, by request and at a variety of public facilities.

The grant will also fund an agricultural exhibit at the Ojai Valley Museum, which will explain the present state of agriculture and offer predictions about its future in the valley. Tours of area groves will give the public a chance to learn more about working groves and to ask questions of grove managers.

Anyone wishing to make a donation of cash or services for this project may call 646-7930.