Farming for the Future: Building Resilience in San Diego’s Agriculture

San Diego county, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, faces growing challenges from climate change. Impacts of climate change in California are estimated in the billions of dollars per year due to coastal erosion, water shortages, flooding events, and increased fire risks. While agriculture is not widely discussed when it comes to climate change, it is severely impacted. For example, droughts like those in 2013-2016 led to a $1.84 billion economic loss and 21,000 job loss for California’s agriculture economy¹. Recognizing the importance of resiliency in the face of climate change, San Diego county’s agricultural industry – a collective of over 4,000 farms – has been proactively adapting with innovative strategies that address soil health, water conservation, and pest management. By implementing these strategies, local farming not only adapts to climate impacts but actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change.

Soil health is the foundation for resilient agriculture. Practices like compost application, cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal or no-till farming, enhance soil fertility (improve nutrients) and increase water retention. Some farms in the region have increased soil carbon levels through these methods, sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One such example is a local farm that encompasses over 300 acres of citrus and avocado orchards, and 32 acres of olive trees. By implementing soil health practices, they increased soil organic carbon by 300%, improving fertility, water retention, carbon sequestration, and promoting soil biodiversity, all of which contribute to a healthier and more resilient agricultural system².

County of San Diego programs such as the Sustainable Operations in Land Stewardship (SOILS) Program support climate-smart land practices such as compost application, hedgerow planting, and cover cropping. The SOILS Compost Voucher Program helps agricultural producers offset compost costs in the unincorporated areas.

At the state level, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program provides financial incentives for on-farm conservation practices. San Diego county growers have received 20 awards totaling $804,308³, reducing an estimated 4,477 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually.

Water conservation remains a priority in this drought-prone region. Farmers have adopted cutting-edge technologies and practices designed to optimize water use and reduce waste, such as advanced drip irrigation systems paired with soil moisture sensors. These sensors monitor soil moisture levels and can automatically adjust irrigation schedules to ensure crops receive the precise amount of water needed, preventing over-watering and reducing water waste. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are being used to capture, store, and reuse rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces. These systems help reduce reliance on municipal water sources and promote sustainable water use practices.

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in San Diego county helps farmers conserve water by providing research-based support on efficient irrigation. Through workshops and field demonstrations, UCCE promotes smart irrigation and soil moisture management to reduce waste and boost productivity. Government agencies also support water efficiency. The County offers irrigation upgrade rebates, while the San Diego County Water Authority provides cost-sharing and rebates for efficient systems. CDFA’s State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program funds irrigation improvements, including drip systems, pump retrofits, and renewable energy installations.

Climate change also creates secondary effects by disrupting ecosystems and allowing for the introduction and proliferation of various pest species. For instance, a study highlighted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that climate change is driving a surge in insects that attack crops like almonds, peaches, and walnuts in California⁴.

Additionally, in 2023, California experienced an unprecedented outbreak of invasive fruit flies, the worst in CDFA’s 100-year history. Fruit fly detections soared from around 75 detections annually to nearly 1,180 detections in 2023. Warmer winters, earlier springs, and hotter summers disrupt natural life cycles, leading to increased pest populations and heightened risks to crops.

Associated with the increase in invasive pest activity and populations is the need for local agricultural operations to consider innovative pest management strategies. This is especially true for the ornamental nursery industry, where customers demand aesthetically pleasing, pest-free products. Valued at approximately $1.17 billion in 2024, the nursery industry in San Diego county represents 70% of the county’s total agricultural value. To address these concerns and reduce dependency on pesticides, farmers have been implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM practices may include planting beneficial vegetation to attract predatory insects, introducing crop rotations, incorporating native plants to increase biodiversity, and implementing cultural and environmental controls alongside chemical methods. These practices not only decrease reliance on chemical controls but also promote healthy soils.

When applying chemical controls or pesticides, agriculture operations must first obtain a permit from the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, and meet requirements that increase the safety of employees, the community, and the environment. Pesticides that have been classified as more hazardous due to their potential risk require additional Restricted Materials Permits (RMPs). Over the last five years, RMPs issued for production agriculture in San Diego county has decreased significantly, from 60 permits in 2019 to just 36 in 2024, reflecting a 40% reduction. Similarly, the acres treated with restricted materials have dropped by over 67%, from 29,410 acres in 2019 to 9,523 acres in 2024. While factors such as urbanization and shifts in the types of commodities grown in the region may contribute to this trend, the reduction in RMPs also suggests a transition towards alternative pest management strategies.

San Diego county’s agricultural community exemplifies how farming can lead the way in addressing climate change through innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship. With nearly one million orchard trees lost from 2000 to 2015 – releasing over 300,000 tons of carbon⁵ – the importance of keeping San Diego farming active as a climate-smart strategy is clear. While the sector has made remarkable strides in adopting resilient practices, continued support through grants, technical assistance, and market-based solutions is essential to amplify these efforts. By fostering collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders, San Diego can serve as a model for balancing economic resilience with environmental sustainability.

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