News and Articles

Escondido Ag Update

January 22, 2013

It’s been a while since you’ve heard from EGAP, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been hard at work to keep agriculture in Escondido.

• Met regularly with the EGAP Board and City Officials.
• In cooperation with the San Diego County Water Authority and Mission Resource Conservation District, EGAP received a grant from the California Department of Water Resources to study the effects of Reclaimed Water on Avocados.
• Presented multiple requests for the City to provide an Ag Service Water Level to bridge the gap until we receive the reclaimed water.
• Worked with the California Avocado Commission on “Agriculture in Escondido, Contributions, Challenges and Opportunities” a publication which is used as a reference for the City on our agricultural economic value.
• Participated and promoted recognition for Agriculture as a part of the Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for Escondido.
• In spite of efforts, we are still facing a challenging vote at the Public Hearing on Water Rates on February 13. The Council has a different composition than that of 2012 and we need to make ourselves heard. Please mark your Calendars and plan to attend the Council Meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2013 AT 4:30 PM @ THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Feel free to contact Eddie or any of the EGAP Board Members for an update. Let us know if you are willing to say a few words on behalf of Escondido Agriculture at the Council Meeting. We’re counting on you!

Escondido Ag Update

August 31, 2012

Escondido Agricultural Update- August 31, 2012:

Escondido Magazine Features Farming. Check out the fall issue of Escondido Magazine which features several interesting articles on farming, including this one on EGAP and agriculture as an economic engine for the future. Escondido Magazine Article

New Date for First Annual Agriculture Summit: In order to accommodate additional people, we have changed the date for EGAP’s first agriculture summit meeting. The new date is October 3, 2012. The meeting will be held from 11 am to 2 pm at Cocina del Charro restaurant in Escondido.

Lunch will be provided and is sponsored by Grangetto’s Farm and Garden Supply. Please RSVP to karen.grangetto@gmail.com.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this important event!

Agriculture Summit to Address Critical Issues: The future of Escondido agriculture is at a crossroads and the upcoming Agriculture Summit will address important issues related to the sustainability of agriculture in the Escondido area. The program will include a variety of guest speakers covering the following topics:

• Review of EGAP’s Efforts in 2011 and 2012
• The Farm Economy: Escondido and San Diego County
• The Impact of Rising Water Prices
• The Marriage of Agriculture and Recycled Water
• Specific Strategies for Helping Agriculture Thrive
• Moving Forward – Challenges, Goals, and Key Activities

Escondido Ag Update

April 2012

EGAP WORKING HARD IN 2012

We are well into the new year and there are many challenges ahead with respect to ensuring a strong future for agriculture in the Escondido area.

Strategic Water Rate for Agriculture – Holding the line on water rates for growers in 2012 was the first step in developing an agricultural service level and strategic water rate. EGAP will continue to collaborate with the City of Escondido on this critically important issue. More information will be coming soon as the work continues.

Recycled Water Development – Planning and design for delivering recycled water to growers is well under way. EGAP has been supporting the City on a variety of issues, including addressing routing of pipelines, planning for water storage, and establishing water-quality guidelines. Water should be flowing by late 2014 or early 2015. Contact EGAP to find out more.

Business Development Strategic Plan for Escondido – The City has hired a consultant to review business opportunities for Escondido and produce a business development strategic plan. EGAP is participating in this important planning process.