Point Reyes Light - January 20, 2005
MALT purchase from Giacomini's
By Elisabeth Ptak
Marin Agricultural Land Trust has purchased an agricultural conservation easement on the 714-acre Robert Giacomini Dairy north of Point Reyes Station.
In operation since 1960, the dairy is one of the largest and most productive in the county. However, its panoramic views and dramatic location also make it prime real estate for a residential developer.
MALT’s easement purchase will permanently bind the deed so that the property can only be used for agriculture, no matter how many times it is sold. Founded in 1980, MALT has purchased more than 50 easements, effectively preserving nearly 36,000 acres of agricultural land.
MALT paid the appraised value of $1,860,000 for the easement, drawing funds from two sources: The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation which provided a $1,110,000 grant, and the state Coastal Conservancy, which contributed $750,000 for the project. The Coastal Conservancy drew funds authorized by Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and the Coastal Protection Act of 2002.
"This is public money well spent," said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the Coastal Conservancy. "Thanks to MALT’s good work, we’re protecting the beauty of Marin County’s coast while helping a family farm continue its productive use of the land."
A West Marin rancher for more than 40 years and a former national Dairyman of the Year, Robert Giacomini and his wife Dean said they decided to sell an easement to MALT because they are committed to preserving the ranch for future generations. In 2001, the Giacomini family diversified its operation to include the on-farm production of cheese with milk from their own cows. "Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese" is the only nationally distributed farmstead blue cheese in the United States. Three of the Giacomini daughters are directly involved in the business.
"And we’ve got eight little cheesemakers coming up," added Robert Giacomini, referring to his grandchildren.
http://www.ptreyeslight.com/stories/jan20_05/malt.html