The slopes surrounding the Elkhorn Slough provide an example of environmental injustices on the Central Coast..  In the lower part of the slough, the flat fertile lands support a vibrant agricultural scene.  The lush areas are in high demand and may be rented to several different growers during the span of a year for a hefty price.  In the slough highlands, however, the story is much different.
        The steep grade of the hills in the highlands forces farmers to deal with great amounts of erosion.  Renters on these lands constantly battle a loss of soil and the impaired productivity that goes along with it.  As a result, the more difficult highlands of this watershed, one of the few with affordable land for rent, are much cheaper to rent or buy for the smaller farmer.  Studies have shown that levels of degradation in the slough area can correspond to ethnicity.  Those who typically make less money, are underrepresented and marginalized, are forced through economic constraints to farm the worst land. In the Elkhorn Slough Watershed, 80% of farmers are Latino and on average, earn 30% less than local Caucasian farmers.
        Efforts have been made to provide technical assistance to those working the most degraded land, but traditional extension education has mostly failed to reach these farmers because of cultural and language barriers, as well as inappropriateness of the technical advice for limited-resource, small-scale growers.  The common suggestion to apply for a government conservation grant or cost-match program simply isn’t realistic for those who don’t understand the forms or have the extra money to put up for the required match.  Additionally, barriers exists simply by being a renter. Very few Latino farmers own the land they farm on and subsequently have challenges making long-term improvements that might enhance environmental sustainability.  

What is ALBA doing about it?
One of the goals of ALBA is to teach and create an agriculture environment that is sustainable.  One of the key concepts of sustainability is erosion prevention.  In its Small Farmer Education Program and technical assistance outreach, ALBA teaches the use of drip tape irrigation, furrow alignment and many other erosion preventative measures.  ALBA is also forming relationships for a Watershed Education Project that will address this and many other issues.  Currently, the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association works with many agencies and organizations, such as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Elkhorn Slough Foundation, to slow and stop soil erosion on our lands and to help uphold the California and the National Clean Water Acts. ALBA is also critical in helping Latino farmers understand and comply with new water quality regulations, and plans to increase its efforts through 2005 and beyond.