Since our founding in 1980, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) has protected more than 58,739 acres of local ranch and farmland. This growing network of protected land forms a cornerstone in the region’s economy, ecological resilience, and community wellbeing.
But protecting ranch and farmland from the threat of development is just our first step. As stewards of this landscape, our work is at the center of today’s most pressing issues: climate change, public investment in natural resource protection, the economic challenges facing rural communities, and so much more.
Here are our the top issues facing our landscape today:
Ag-Worker Housing Crisis
In our community, agricultural workers experience high rates of poverty, live disproportionately in housing that is in the poorest condition, have extremely high rates of overcrowding, and have low homeownership rates. These problems are complex and require systemic and innovative solutions. Find more
Climate Smart Agriculture
MALT is excited to be a key partner in the Sonoma-Marin Climate-Smart Agriculture County Climate Coalition (SMACCC), a groundbreaking initiative focused on integrating climate-smart agricultural practices across the region. Find more
Marin Water Reservoir Expansion
Currently, Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) is exploring long term responses to anticipated future drought events through a water assessment process. They have identified potential reservoir expansions (Soulajule Reservoir) or developments (Upper Nicasio Reservoir) that directly impact Marin’s vulnerable and protected agricultural lands. Find more
Measure A
Since its passage in 2012, Measure A has allowed Marin County to invest $22.5 million in farmland preservation. With the support of the county’s Farmland Preservation Program (Measure A funding), our team here at MALT has protected 17 farms and ranches totaling more than 10,972 acres through the acquisition of conservation easements. Find more
Ranching in the Seashore
Because the continuation of agriculture in the Seashore and GGNRA directly affects our mission to permanently protect Marin’s agricultural land for agricultural use, MALT supports sustainable farming and ranching in these areas. Find more