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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I (Reclamation Class VI lands). Therefore, the relocation of Central Valley farmers is more likely to minimize reductions in current cultivated acreage, by returning currently developed fallow lands to production, as opposed to developing additional mesa lands. A growing interest in the commercial development of non-typical crops, such as halophytes, could potentially alter the status of lands currently considered to be marginal from an economic standpoint. Without the development of alternative non-typical crops, lands considered to be marginal from an economic standpoint may eventually be removed from production as the cost of agricultural inputs increase. Other factors affecting the growth or reduction of crop acreage are the future of government subsidies, quality of irrigation water and increased salinity in soils. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) could also playa roll in the stability of crop acreage. As an example, LAFCO is currently considering several options that would mandate the protection of lands currently farmed. One option would require a one to one replacement of all lands that are taken out of crop production for urbanization. In other words, for every acre of cultivated land that is taken out of production, one acre of alternative land must be developed for agricultural use by the responsible developer or city. Another option being considered requires that an impact fee be charged for all lands taken out of crop production. Money collected from this option would be used to develop new lands and to protect currently cultivated lands from future urbanization. As previously stated, virtually all of the mesa lands considered available for development are Reclamation Class VI lands. These lands are often sandy, rocky and have moderate to steep slopes and are considered marginal for agricultural production. Without changes in existing County and nD policies, these lands are not expected to be developed for agricultural production within the time frame of this study. However, Imperial County has invited both LAFCO and nD to discuss future policy regarding development of, and water service to these lands (Jurg Heuberger letter to Jesse Silva, Nov. 21, 1995). Should significant development of these lands occur, this report will need to be updated. Draft: Subject To Revision 12/21/95 13