Funding targets illegal marijuana farms

To many cattlemen in the Valley, illegal marijuana grows on pasture land have become a dangerous nuisance. Unfortunately, law enforcement in our area hasn’t had the resources necessary to stop these dangerous operations.

Thankfully, Assemblyman Jim Patterson and Assembly Republicans recently made significant progress in the fight against drug cartels in California by negotiating nearly $2 million a year to help law enforcement address illegal marijuana grows in remote areas.

This will also help to preserve farmland throughout California by funding the Williamson Act, a program that gives tax incentives to local farmers who agree not to develop their land. Funding for the Williamson Act had dried up during the last recession, but Patterson’s negotiations will ensure that farmers in our region can continue producing the California-grown crops that feed the world.

The leadership of Patterson and Assembly Republicans is helping to preserve our agricultural economy and protect our communities.

This story was originally published July 9, 2016 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Funding targets illegal marijuana farms."