(Elk Grove, CA – February 9, 2009) – The Jorgensen Farm near Gustine in Merced County has been permanently preserved for agricultural production, the Central Valley Farmland Trust announced today. “It is a rare opportunity to be able to preserve a working farm which will contribute to the region’s economy for years to come,” explained Maxwell Norton, President of the Central Valley Farmland Trust.
This historic property is 290 acres of prime farmland producing walnuts, alfalfa, beans and other field crops. The land has been in the Jorgensen family for over 100 years. “Our parents instilled in us a love of the land and an understanding of the need to preserve farmland,” stated Janice Jorgensen. “Our grandparents and parents were committed to farming, and we choose to honor them with this agricultural conservation easement.”
Funding for this project was provided by the California Department of Conservation under its California Farmland Conservancy Program and the Great Valley Center in Modesto. The Central Valley Farmland Trust will hold the agricultural conservation easement, and the Jorgensen family will retain control of the farming operation.
“The Central Valley Farmland Trust is truly honored to be a part of helping preserve the multigenerational heritage of this farm,” stated Bill Martin. “The placement of an agricultural conservation easement on the Jorgensen farm pays fitting tribute to Jacob and Maria Jorgensen, who over 100 years ago developed the farmland and built the historic farmhouse which still proudly stands today.”
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The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. Its mission is to work with landowners and conservation partners to preserve agricultural lands in Sacramento, San Joaquin Stanislaus and Merced counties. Our board includes farmers and agricultural business professionals with expertise and interest in protecting farmland.
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For additional information about this topic, please call Bill Martin at (916) 687-3178 or email Bill at bmartin@valleyfarmland.org.
