Unsustainable groundwater overpumping in California has led to the urgent need to transition hundreds of thousands of acres of irrigated agricultural land into less water-intensive activities to ensure sustainable water use. However, this task is not without its challenges.
Determining the best course of action at the system level to support rural economies, enhance public and environmental health, and avoid creating new problems is complex. Implementing system-wide solutions in a transdisciplinary context requires collaboration from various stakeholders, which can be unfamiliar territory for all involved. Nonetheless, repurposing cropland into other beneficial land uses presents a promising solution to address system-level issues and satisfy multiple parties.
The recent publication of a comprehensive framework for best practices in cropland repurposing is a significant step forward. This framework, developed by a community of practice comprising community leaders, farmer and farmworker advocates, scientists, and practitioners across California’s agricultural regions, aims to reimagine land use to create multiple benefits while tackling the water crisis and supporting food and nutrition security.
The framework is not about taking land away from farmers or abandoning agriculture; it is about collectively exploring new sustainable opportunities for prosperity and well-being while preserving rural communities’ identities. By keeping the culture in agriculture, we can limit negative side effects and economic extraction associated with large-scale practices.
The framework, detailed in a recent publication in the journal Frontiers in Water, outlines six core objectives that guide land repurposing decisions. These objectives prioritize public health, socioenvironmental and economic justice, ecological resilience, sustainable agriculture, funding and scalability, leadership and accountability, and multiple benefits to address social needs.
In addition to these objectives, the framework identifies seven best practices for cropland repurposing, including prioritizing public health, focusing on vulnerable locations, transitioning agricultural practices for sustainability, fostering a sustainable agricultural economy, advancing equity, pursuing a just clean energy transition, and expanding skill-building and access to information.
Real examples of successful cropland repurposing projects in California demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of implementing these best practices. Communities are already transforming agricultural land into native pollinator habitat, riparian woodlands, agroecology hubs, and more, resulting in improved environmental conditions, economic opportunities, and community well-being.
Moving forward, the adoption of this framework and the implementation of best practices offer a detailed, evidence-based roadmap for transforming California’s approach to land use. By working collaboratively and strategically, stakeholders can leverage these guidelines to create a just land transition that ensures water sustainability, social equity, and economic resilience in agricultural regions.
The choice is clear: either let market forces dictate the transition, risking further inequalities and economic instability, or embrace these best practices to build a sustainable and prosperous future for California’s agricultural communities. The framework provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions that benefit all stakeholders involved in the land repurposing process.
