Placer County is a haven for agri-tourism—a thriving industry that invites visitors to explore our rich agricultural heritage. As urbanization continues to encroach upon rural areas, agri-tourism offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with nature, support local farmers, protect our ag lands, and experience the joys of farm life.

Did you know Placer County has a “Right to Farm” ordinance? The purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the loss to the county of its commercial agricultural resources by limiting the circumstances under which “agricultural operations may be deemed to constitute a nuisance.” With that note, let’s embark on a journey through Placer County's agri-tourism scene, discovering the wonders that lie within our verdant fields and vibrant communities. One of the crown jewels of Placer County's agri-tourism is our impressive collection of vineyards and wineries. From the moment you set foot on the Wine & Ale Trail, you are transported into a world of rolling hills, open space, and lush vineyards. Wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can indulge in wine tastings, guided tours and even grape stomping events, immersing themselves in the artistry of winemaking while enjoying panoramic views of the countryside. From Rancho Roble Vineyards to Dora Dain Farms to Hillenbrand Brewery to Rappe Family Vineyards , Ciotti Cellars, Smokin’ Barrell Winery, Wise Villa Winery and many more, it’s an industry worth exploring in rural Placer County. Beyond the vineyards, Placer County's agricultural tapestry unfolds, showcasing our diverse bounty of orchards teeming with almonds, apples, peaches, plums, pears, mandarins and more. The culinary delights of Placer County's agri-tourism are not to be missed.

It’s apparent—the farm-to-table movement is embraced wholeheartedly, with local restaurants and cafes sourcing their ingredients directly from neighboring Placer farms. This ensures that visitors can savor meals made from the freshest, most flavorful produce. Farmers' markets scattered across the county serve as vibrant community hubs, where locals and tourists can connect with growers and artisans and discover a cornucopia of organic fruits and vegetables, handcrafted cheeses, artisanal bread, and much more.

Fowler Ranch in Lincoln operates as the only farmer’s market located on a farm in Northern California and provides the chance for all of us to meander their farm, meet local growers and purchase their products. They’re open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round, so check them out!

Restaurants like Buonarroti Ristorante in Lincoln, Hawk’s Restaurant in Granite Bay, and Sienna Restaurant in Roseville are all known for incorporating local ingredients into their menus. If you’re looking for a memorable evening out, try supporting one of these fine establishments. By participating in agri-tourism experiences, you support local farmers and businesses and help foster a sustainable cycle that benefits both the environment and the economy. Placer County's agri-tourism offers a gateway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the rhythms of the countryside.

Whether you find solace in the serenity of vineyards, the simplicity of fruit picking, or the joy of farm-to-fork dining, Placer County's agri-tourism holds an invitation for everyone. For a visual tour through our ag industry, check out this story map featuring Placer County’s vast array of ag crops including rice, cattle and Christmas trees. There are also a number of farmstands in Placer County, and the PlacerGROWN website has a list explaining which ones are in season, and what days and hours of operation they have.

Shifting gears, I wanted to give you an update on the cleanup at the county’s old gun ranges at the Titan I Missile Site in Lincoln. The county’s Remedial Action Plan for the gun ranges was just approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board with a Letter of Concurrence.

The next steps for the county are as follows: The county, Regional Water Quality Control Board and consultant will have a project kickoff call in the near future and then the county will contract an environmental consultant to assist with the preparation of a remediation work plan and technical/bid specifications. Next, the consultant will prepare an updated remedial cost estimate, and staff will seek Board of Supervisors approval for funding of remediation. Then, a request for proposals/qualifications to select a remediation contractor will go out, followed by the contract for a remediation contractor coming to the Board of Supervisors.

Thank you for reading; as always, please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions!

Shanti Landon
Placer County Supervisor, District 2