A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

Site ALocationUrban South San Jose, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, near Hwy.85.Land Owner Recently donated by a long-time farming family to local agency.Size 290 acresCurrent Status & Use Orchards, row crops, and fallow; historic house and farm buildings.History Orchards, row crops, livestock and grasses and grainsFuture Uses Historic Interpretive Farm, passive recreation (walking and bike trails) andagriculture. The potential AgPark, of approximately 250 acres, would likelyinclude, small-scale organic and/or sustainable farming, educational farming(e.g. 4-H), community gardens, and an onsite farmstand.Site Characteristics Flat land, soils include heavy adobe, ashy clay, and sandy loam.Water Water table between 20 and 75 feet deep. Well water available.Potential Cropping Orchards, row crops, small livestock operations, small greenhouse and valueadded operations.Infrastructure Central buildings could serve as equipment storage, animal barns, etc.Potential Plot Sizes Range from 1-50 acres.Lease/Ownership Lease only, probably from 1-10 years.PossibilitiesHousing No housing on-site.Please answer the following questions for SITE A only. Check all that apply.a1. In general, does this site interest you? Y NWhy? (additional questions or comments) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________a2. How many acres would you be interested in farming on this site?___ under 5 ___ 5-10 ___10-20 ____20-50a3. Desired cropping (check applicable categories and specify types, i.e. flowers, vegetables, goats, etc.)___Row crops ___________________________________________________________Animal operation ____________________________________________________Orchards ____________________________________________________________Grains & Grasses _____________________________________________________Other ____________________________________________________________a4. Approximately how much water would you require? __________________________a5. Desired market:___Direct marketing:___Farm Stand ___On-Site Farmers’ Market ___CSA ___Farmers’ Market___Direct to restaurants___Wholesalea6. Would you be interested in income generation through the following types of educationalprogramming?___Tours ____School visits ___Volunteer groups ____Workshops ___Othera7. Would you be interested in farming at this site with a very short-term, interim agreement, before theAgPark is established, beginning sometime next year? Y N