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Drought encompassing 45,972 acres of total farmland. The average farm size was 191 acres. San Mateo County farms had a total market value of products sold of $79.4 million, averaging $329,562 per farm. The Census indicated that 187 farm operators reported farming as their primary occupation. Table 9-2 lists acreage of agricultural land exposed to the drought hazard. Table 9-2. Agriculture Land and % Change in San Mateo County in 2017 Number of Farms % Change since 2012 Land in Farms (acres) % Change since 2012 Average Size of Farm (acres) % Change since 2012 241 -28% 45,972 -5% 191 +32% Source: 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, County Profile In 2017, the following were the top categories of agricultural products sold in San Mateo County:  Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod at $61.6 million  Vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes at $12.2 million  Fruits, tree nuts, and berries at $3.3 million. San Mateo County was fifth highest ranked in the state and the country in sales of Brussels sprouts; it was eighth highest ranked in the state for sales of cut Christmas trees; and 11th highest ranked in the state for floriculture and bedding crops. A prolonged drought can affect a community’s economy significantly. Increased demand for water and electricity may result in shortages and higher costs of these resources. Industries that rely on water for business may be impacted the most (e.g., landscaping businesses). Although most businesses will still be operational, they may be affected aesthetically—especially the recreation and tourism industry. Moreover, droughts within another area could affect food supply and the price of food for community members within the county. 9.5 FUTURE TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT The planning partners’ general plans and other planning activities provide guidance related to hazard mitigation and future development. General plans include policies directing land use and dealing with issues of water supply and the protection of water resources. These plans provide the capability at the local municipal level to protect future development from the impacts of drought. In addition, water providers in the planning area have plans and programs in place to balance competing needs for water resources within the planning area. 9.6 SCENARIO A multi-year drought that impacts the entire west or the State of California, similar to the 2012 to 2017 drought, is the worst-case scenario for the planning area. The 2012-2017 drought and the wildfires and floods that followed it caused extensive damage to natural systems. If another severe drought occurs before these systems have a chance to recover, it could exacerbate the stress already placed on existing planning area water resources. Surrounding counties, also under drought conditions, could increase their demand for the water supplies on which San Mateo County also relies, triggering social and political conflicts. The higher density population of the Bay Area increases likelihood of such conflicts, despite existence of the BACSWA drought implementation plans. Additionally, the longer drought conditions last in or near the County, the greater the effect on the local economy; water-dependent industries especially will undergo setbacks. 9-13