Calif. budget problems affect farmland protection

By GOSIA WOZNIACKA Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Farmers and environmentalists worry that California's budget problems could lead to the loss of large portions of the state's prime farmland.

California has been protecting millions of acres under a program that provides money to counties, which then cut farmers' property taxes. But the program that once received about $38 million per year, got no money this budget year and isn't expected to get any in the budget now being negotiated.

Counties have been keeping the program going themselves, but they say they can't do that indefinitely. Fresno County's administrative officer, John Navarrette, says the money being lost supported important services like the sheriff's department.

Tomato, cotton and almond farmer Ross Borba Jr. of Riverdale says without the tax breaks, some farms will go under.