Board leases 279 acres near north county landfill to Javed Farms with $2.5M first‑five‑year improvement pledge

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on June 30 approved a 15‑year agricultural lease for 278.99 acres of county‑owned land near the North County landfill, accepting a sole qualified sealed bid from Javed Farms.

Under the accepted proposal, Javed Farms will pay no rent for years 1–5, $5,000 per month for years 6–10 and $15,000 per month for years 11–15, and the company committed to a minimum of $2.5 million in capital improvements during the first five years, including removal of dead vines and disease mitigation on the property. The board authorized the director of General Services to finalize and sign the lease.

"We are committed to sustainable agriculture consistent with the current land use of the property," the Javed Farms proposal said, adding the operation would assume maintenance and utility costs for the leased acreage.

Staff told the board the property was acquired in 2025 for potential landfill expansion needs 10–15 years out; while the county does not require the land immediately, leasing it now allows agricultural use until (and unless) the property is needed.

Board members praised the bid as a productive interim use for county land and emphasized lease provisions allowing the county to terminate or negotiate repurchase if landfill needs accelerate. The successful proposer agreed publicly to reserve a 40‑acre block free of permanent crops should the county need to reclaim land earlier than the 15‑year term.

The board voted to accept the highest responsible bid and directed staff to return with a final lease for execution.