FALL 2013 vol 29 no 3 MalT.

ORG

Callan Valentine

Avery Poncia

Cathie Poncia Al Poncia

Bill Jessica Valentine Valentine

Chapin Williams Perry Valentine Lindsay Valentine

Loren Poncia

Fallon Williams Lisa Poncia Julianna Poncia Tony Williams Melissa Williams

Tate Valentine

The Poncia family at Poncia Ranch. Loren Poncia with his parents, Al and Cathie, and sisters Jessica and Melissa. Sister Jennifer Poncia is not pictured.

Built to Last
MALT Preserves 4th-Generation Ranch
People say you cant make a living as a rancher today, says Loren Poncia. But I enjoy a good challenge and Im proud of the progress we have made. Loren, 38, is a fourth generation West Marin cattle and sheep rancher. He grew up on his parents Al and Cathies dairy, which they inherited from Als parents. A few years after Loren graduated from Cal Poly, he came home to work on the ranch, which by then had transitioned from a dairy to a meat operation. He brought some new ideas with him, including starting a grassfed, organic and community-based business. Today, he and his wife, Lisa, run Stemple Creek Ranch. The ranch sells grass-fed beef and lamb raised on certied organic pastures to butcher shops, stores and restaurants and direct to individuals throughout the Bay Area. Among his many new ideas, he has gured out how to provide locally raised meat year round through rotational grazing, cutting his own grass feed and timing the breeding of his herd. Many companies truck their herds out of state or provide meat seasonally.

FARMLAND PROTECTION Update

20132015 Goal
Protect 6 family farms & ranches Total Acres: 3,888

Progress
Protected Poncia Ranch, June 2013 Acres: 440 | Cost: $1.4 million

Whats Next
Save 5 more family farms & ranches Total Acres: 3,448

Your Support Will Make This Possible!

Message from the Executive Director

ate summer, early fall may be the best

time of year in Marin. The fog recedes, the sun shines and the days are long. Roads winding to the coast are tucked between golden hills. Local strawberries, tomatoes, basil, apples and seasonal cheeses are fresh, ripe and ready to eat. Unlike residents of other major metropolitan areas, we dont need to drive elsewhere to take in our areas natural beauty or import food to savor its avors. You see it everywhereon your weekend ride to the coast or at your local summer BBQ. It is because of your support that it has remained this way. MALT is working to ensure that we can forever enjoy the beauty of the season. While we have protected nearly half of Marins at-risk farmland, there is more work to do. In the past, the majority of MALTs funding came from public agencies. Over time, this funding decreased and contributions from individuals like you have made up the difference. Today, MALTs funding model is to raise half the funds needed to preserve farmland from individuals, which we leverage to raise the remaining half from public agencies. This model has worked very well. In fact, MALT was able to protect the Poncia ranch using this funding model. Yet, the continual decline in public agency funding has placed this model in jeopardy. Marin County voters overwhelmingly passed Measure A in 2012 in part to preserve farmland, which will help ll the gap. However, other funding sources are needed. MALT is exploring ways to expand our fundraising model including emerging ecosystem service markets. One example, discussed in this issue of the newsletter, is through the Marin Carbon Project. Regardless, one thing is certain: our supporters continue to play an ever more prominent role in accomplishing our mission. We are currently working to protect ve family farms totaling 3,448 acres. Your support is more critical now than ever. Thank you for helping preserve Marins family farms and ranches. I hope you enjoy the fruits of your support this season! Jamison Watts Page 2 

continued from page 1

Built to Last
The ranch is a model in many other ways, too. The family manages the land to promote native plant and animal biodiversity. Stemple Creek runs through the ranch, and the Poncias take great care to protect the health of the watershed. The family is dedicated to the well-being of the animals and is certied by the Global Animal Partnership for its stellar animal husbandry. For all the love and care that goes into the ranch, its oftentimes stressful and challenging to make it work nancially. It takes someone like Loren who is dedicated, creative and willing to think outside the box. Were so blessed that we have Loren, says Cathie. Loren is so passionate about caring for the animals and the land. Some people are born cow people and Loren is one of them, agrees Al. Loren took a very early interest in the familys dairy business. When he was about 5 years old, Cathie recalls, he would get up on a bench in the familys dining room with binoculars and look out over the dairy herd. If it werent for Loren, we probably would not be here, she says. We would have sold the ranch and moved on. After three generations, for most families its usually over.

Loren Poncia

Its often over because its very difficult today to pass a family farm on to the next generation. The nancial and other challenges can be daunting. One of the most difficult to surmount can be the inheritance tax. That is what led the family to nearly lose its 440-acre ranch, started in the early 1890s by Lorens great-grandfather Angelo Pa Nono Poncia. In the late 1880s, Angelo travelled from Italy to West Marin in search of opportunity and land. He found both, starting the Fallon Creamery in 1911 on the ranch. Marin Agricultural Land Trust

Stemple Creek Ranch

The Poncias could have lost this historic ranch when Als aunt passed away in 2003 and they inherited it, along with a substantial inheritance tax bill. This posed a terrible burden for the small business, says Al. Unfortunately for farming families in Marin, the tax amount is based on the market value of the land for residential development rather than agriculture. Even though families can opt to go through a complicated IRS alternative valuation process to reduce the tax, as the Poncia family did, it does not reduce it close enough to its true agricultural value. Just down Highway 1 from the Poncia home ranch, an 850acre ranch was purchased by a San Francisco real estate investment company. The company subdivided it and listed three separate parcels for $2.5 million each for estate development. That could have been the future for the Poncias ranch. Marin could have lost a model ranch that provides many benets to the community, from locally raised food to the preservation of a historic landscape and way of life. Both Al and Loren have served on MALTs Board of Directors. In fact, Al was a founding member of the board and Loren served a term on the board that ended in 2010. Other properties in the familys 920-acre ranch are also protected by MALT easements. When the Poncias saw the challenge ahead, they knew they could turn to MALT again. The Poncia family and MALT Preserving Marin County Farmland

worked together to ensure that this important ranch is protected. MALT raised $1.4 million toward the price of the agricultural conservation easement from individual donors and public agencies. Individual donors contributed $676,000, and MALT was able to leverage these funds to raise another $778,000 from the California Department of Conservation and USDAs Natural Resource Conservation Services Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program.

Without MALT, we couldnt have held on to the ranch, says Loren.

With this hurdle out of the way, the Poncia family can focus on running the ranch knowing that it is secure for years to come. We believe in it, adds Lorens wife and business partner, Lisa. We believe in local food and providing it to a community. Its a commitmenta commitment were willing to make. Signicantly, Lorens middle name is Angelo after his greatgrandfather. He feels a deep sense of responsibility for the ranch and carrying on the legacy that was started by his ancestor. I dont want this story to end with me, says Loren, who has two young daughters and many nieces and nephews. I want the next generation to be excited about coming back home to the ranch. www.malt.org Page 3

Can Cows Stop Climate Change?

n a recent summer afternoon,

a herd of mother cows quietly watches as MALT Stewardship staff Patricia Hickey and Jim Jensen assess handfuls of fertile Marin County soil.
Jim Jensen and Patricia Hickey. Photo: Michael Woolsey

Berkeley research scientists, Nicasio Native Grass Ranch, the Marin Resource Conservation District, and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. These groups have been working together over the past several years to study and measure the potential for carbon storage in actively managed rangeland. The ultimate goal is to engage agricultural producers in mitigating climate change through widespread adoption of innovative management techniques that would be funded principally through emerging carbon markets. The results of the initial studies have proved so promising that the participants in the project are taking it to the next level by creating carbon farms. These farms will show that rangeland can provide critical greenhouse gas reduction by not only increasing soil health, but by employing climatefriendly livestock practices, conserving natural habitat, increasing biodiversity and producing local food. This is an exciting project because it holds the potential to really benet the farmers bottom line while also improving the health of the natural environment and combating climate change, Patricia says. To nd out more about the Marin Carbon Project, join MALT on a tour of a climate-friendly farm in Marin. See details about the event on page 6. Reduce your carbon footprint by joining MALTs Phyllis Faber Circle and receive a free registration for MALTs Carbon Farm Tour. (See back page for details.)

Look at this soil, Patricia looks up smiling. This rangeland has been actively managed for carbon sequestration and its incredibly nutrient rich. The soil now supports nutritious forage for livestock, which improves the quality of our food. From an environmentalists perspective, it substantially increases on-farm biological diversity too. With the increase in soil organic matter, it also holds more water for longer periods of time, enhancing plant growth and reducing runoff and erosionall of which increase the quantity and quality of our water resources. All those things are good for people, the environment and the farm, she continues. Now that weve scientically demonstrated that improving soil fertility can also measurably reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, thus potentially reducing rates of global warming, it is possibly the most valuable stuff on the planet. "The Marin Carbon Project is a collaboration of MALT, UC Cooperative Extension, UC

How MALT Supports Climate Friendly Farms

PROTECTING FORESTED HILLSIDES Reduces soil erosion, increases soil carbon, soil moisture and stream flows

ADDING COMPOST TO SOIL Builds soil carbon, increases soil fertility, soil moisture and plant growth

PLANTING ALONG STREAM CORRIDORS & STOCK PONDS Reduces soil erosion, builds soil carbon and dramatically increases biological diversity

ROTATIONAL GRAZING Promotes plant vigor and root growth

ENHANCING GRASSLANDS Healthy soil enhances grass for forage

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Marin Agricultural Land Trust

HIKES TOURS TASTINGS

fall 2013
edible ower varietals that grow at Fresh Run Farm. In 2000, Progressive Farmer named Cook one of agriculture's most inuential leaders in the 20th century, alongside advocates like Rachel Carson and Aldo Leopold, for his work to reform the farm bill. Chef Sarah Hodge of Cowgirl Creamery and a procurer of all things gastronomical will prepare a supper with produce grown on the farm, along with other locally grown and foraged ingredients. Time: 5 p.m. (rain cancels)
Michael Woolsey

Place: Fresh Run Farms Cost: $225. Includes supper paired with local wines What to Bring: Walking shoes, layers of clothing Hike Distance: Farm walk Age Appropriate: 21 years and up Guest Limit: 45

Meet the Locals: Field to Fork Supper Series August 10

Join farmer Peter Martinelli and Environmental Working Group founder Ken Cook for a supper among 40 organic fruit, vegetable and

meet-up on the stunning MALT-protected, historic Thornton Ranch. Gary Thornton, a fth-generation rancher and collector, will display more than a dozen vintage trucks, tractors and implements dating from 1917 to 1950. Half of them are still in use today. While at the ranch well enjoy local cheeses, refreshments and a box lunch from Cowgirl Creamery while hearing stories about this historic ranch. Time: 11 a.m.2 p.m. Place: Thornton Ranch, Tomales Cost: $35 MALT members/ $50 nonmembers. Includes food and drink. What to Bring: Cool car built before 1975, camera Age Appropriate: All ages Guest Limit: 50

Michael Woolsey

Vintage Car Collectors Drive to Thornton Ranch August 24

Grab your vintage keys and join us for a coastal drive on State Route 1 up to Tomales for a

Register online at www.malt.org or call 415.663.1158

Preserving Marin County Farmland www.malt.org Page 5

HIKES TOURS TASTINGS

fall 2013
ghting climate change. Join MALT and the Marin Carbon Project along with local ranchers for a tour of Giacomini Dairy to learn about how this and other ranches benet the planet while creating delicious local food. Time: 10 a.m.12 p.m. Place: Giacomini Dairy, Point Reyes Station
Paolo Vescia

Carbon Farm Tour September 7

Hear about the fascinating farms of the future carbon farms. Come learn about how these farms work and why they will play a role in

Cost: $25 members/ $35 nonmembers/children free What to Bring: Hats, sunscreen, layers of clothing, walking shoes Age Appropriate: All ages Guest Limit: 45

Make It Bake It Eat It

Join MALT for a family day on the farm! Participate in hands-on activities with your kids, make your own cheese, press organic apples and learn farm crafts suited for all ages. Pick pumpkins, enjoy local food and relax in a special beer garden. Time: 10 a.m.4 p.m.
Michael Woolsey

Place: Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch Cost: Free and open to the public

MALT Day at the Pumpkin Patch October 20

Michael Woolsey

hands-on event will teach us restoration techniques using plants already growing on the ranch. Our work will help enhance habitat for native plant species and wildlife, including songbirds and pollinators such as butteries and bees. Time: 10 a.m.3 p.m. Place: Brazil Ranch Cost: $15 MALT members/$20 nonmembers/children free

Visit MALT online at www.malt.org today to

Become a MALT member and save up to 25% on MALT Hikes, Tours & Tastings. AND sign up for MALTs free monthly eNews and receive alerts for our new pop-up events. These seasonal farm activities include sheep shearing, cheese making, weed ranger actions and spontaneous picnics.

1st Annual Restore a Stream Day November 16

Get out on the ranch with the family and help restore a local stream. This fun, informative and

What to Bring: Boots, work gloves, water, hat, picnic Age Appropriate: 8 years and up Guest Limit: 35

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Marin Agricultural Land Trust

Interview with Tyler Florence

Celebrity chef talks MALT and why local food matters
MALT: When did you rst learn about MALT? TYlEr: In 2008 when I rst moved to Marin. MALT: What excites you about MALT? TYlEr: As a chef, the MALT mission of preserving agricultural land within miles of where I live and work is an amazing gift and to think that my children will have that same opportunity to experience that closeness with ones food source is a rare one. The land will not succumb to development and sprawl. MALT: Why is local food important to you as a chef? TYlEr: One: Its bigger than me as a chef. Its a responsibility to the area I live in to be connected to the local food economy. Two: Freshness. Three: The excitement of cooking with the seasons. Four: The face-to-face transaction with my community farmer knowing my money is going back to the area where I live and work. MALT: What are some of your favorite local food products right now? TYlEr: Peaches. I look forward to them every year. MALT: What would you say to someone who asked you why they should care about local food and farms? TYlEr: I think its our duty to be connected as closely as possible with our community that our children grow up in, where we make our money, a place we can look at ourselves in the mirror with pride every day. There are so many benets that I can go on all day long. The bottom line is I see no excuse not to care. Stay tuned for a special event hosted by Tyler Florence and El Paseo House of Chops in Mill Valley. Sign up for our eNews at www.malt.org to be among the first to hear about it. Preserving Marin County Farmland
Courtesy of Tyler Florence

Board oF Directors Rick Lafranchi Chair, Businessman, San Anselmo Chris Kelly Vice Chair, Conservationist, Larkspur Sam Dolcini Secretary, Petaluma Bob Bingham Treasurer, Investment Advisor, San Francisco Bill Barboni II Rancher, Hicks Valley Sue Conley Artisan Cheesemaker, Point Reyes Station Mike Gale Rancher, Chileno Valley Tony Gilbert Lawyer, Marshall Joe Gillach Businessman, Tiburon Ralph Grossi Rancher, Novato Steve Kinsey Supervisor, 4th District Peter Martinelli Vegetable Grower, Bolinas Ellie Rilla Agriculture Community Development Advisor, Novato Julie Rossotti Farmer/Rancher, Point Reyes Neil Rudolph Retired Investment Advisor, Mill Valley Gail Seneca Writer, Inverness Lynn Giacomini Stray Farmstead Cheese Producer, Point Reyes Station MALT StaFF Jamison Watts Executive Director Kristine Ball Director of Development Kelly Brown Major Gifts Officer Michelle Cooper Stewardship Associate Helen Ferlino Accounting Associate Lynn Figone Administrative Assistant Christine Harvey Database Manager Patricia Hickey Stewardship Director Deirdre Holbrook Director of Outreach & Communications Jim Jensen Stewardship Field Associate Noelle R. Moss Annual Fund Manager Mia Pelletier Communications Associate Denise Rocco-Zilber Events and Volunteer Manager Jeff Stump Easement Program Director Stacey Witchel Director of Finance & Administration Michael Woolsey Development Associate MALT NEWS is published quarterly by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, a nonprofit tax-exempt organization. Editor: Deirdre Holbrook Graphic Design: shirleycreative.com Photos: Paige Green (unless otherwise noted) Proofreader: David Sweet

Printed on recycled paper containing soy inks

www.malt.org Page 7

Post Ofce Box 809 Point Reyes Station California 94956

R ET UrN SE rVICE REQUEs TED

Nonprot Org. US Postage Marin Agricultural Land Trust

PAID

Monthly Giving

Save time, resources and family farms!

Join the community of MALT supporters who are saving Marins family farms through our monthly giving program, the Phyllis Faber Circle. Named after MALTs co-founder, our program allows you to make donations that are automatic, convenient and secure. Most of all, your reliable support makes a big difference by helping save places like Poncia Ranch. Monthly giving is: Easya monthly payment on your credit or debit card Manageableallows your gift to be spread out into monthly increments Safe, encrypted and secure Saves time, postage and paper

Join MALT's monthly giving program by Sept. 1 and receive a free registration to MALT's Carbon Farm Tour. (See page 6 for event details.) Go to www.malt.org/phyllis-faber-circle or contact Development Associate Michael Woolsey at mwoolsey@malt.org or 415.663.1158 ext. 306.
Paolo Vescia

Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) is a member-supported nonprofit organization created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to preserve farmland in Marin County, California. With financial support from individuals, public agencies and private foundations, MALT has permanently protected nearly half of the working farm and ranch land in Marin County. MALT also encourages public policies that support and enhance agriculture.

To learn about Marins working farms and ranches and the food they produce, visit:

www.malt.org