To really be effective, Yolo County needs a plan for the establishment of more easements and money to purchase them. Two nearby counties Sonoma and Marin, have well-established, comprehensive plans to guide their conservation easement policy. Yolo County can use these plans as a starting point to develop its own. Careful planning is crucial. We must collectively determine where these easements should best be located.
Money is more complex.
Ironically, the price of agricultural land goes up the smaller the parcel. Agricultural parcels of less than 160 cost more per acre. That's because the hope of urban development boosts the price. Alternatively, consideration should be given to the creation of a special, countywide agricultural preservation district. That's precisely what Sonoma County did in 1990.