A sustainable agriculture advocate, Tomales cattleman and founding member of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Al Poncia, has died. He was 83. He is credited for making possible much of the protected land in Marin County. He died Aug. 28 of pancreatic cancer. A memorial, open to the public, is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales.In a tribute to Poncia, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) wrote:“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alfred Loren Poncia (Al), who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Aug. 28. Our hearts go out to the entire Poncia family grieving from this loss and to everyone who was fortunate to call him a friend — our community won’t be the same without Al’s quick wit, radiant humor, and unwavering commitment to farming and ranching in West Marin. “As one of the founding board members of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), Al played a pivotal role in establishing a culture of land conservation within Marin County’s agricultural community. His natural inclusivity and ability to work with a wide range of individuals, including contemporaries Ellen Straus and Phyllis Faber, helped galvanize local farmers, ranchers, and conservationists to safeguard this landscape from the threat of urban development. “‘Al was one of the early visionaries for MALT and his legacy is felt today in more than 55,700 acres of protected land. Marin County wouldn’t be the same without his early influence and steadfast belief in local farming, ranching, and conservation,’ said Lily Verdone, executive director of MALT.“The roots of the Poncia family run deep within Marin County soils, beginning with Al’s grandparents, Angelo and Rachel Poncia. Immigrating from Italy in 1897, the couple began farming in West Marin before later settling in Fallon and founding the Fallon Creamery. The couple raised three sons and a daughter. The oldest, Alfred G Poncia, started his own dairy in 1933 on a nearby 268-acre ranch. Alfred G and his wife, Jennie, had two children, Al and his sister, Edwardeen.“Over the years, Al earned numerous awards and recognitions, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Marin County Farm Bureau, the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Excellence in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Steward of the Land Award from the Marin Conservation League, as well as the Local Hero Award from the Bay Area’s Edible Communities. Al was also a champion in the educational spheres, having served as a board member for the Shoreline Unified School District in Tomales.“Beyond the awards, Al’s most profound impact lies in the transformed mindset of the farming and ranching community. Thanks to the tireless efforts of him and his contemporaries, Marin County has become a hub for sustainable agriculture, a region where farmers, environmentalists, and the community collaborate to create a healthier and more resilient food system. Al helped set the stage, ensuring this landscape will always be a place next generation farmers and ranchers can dig in and thrive.“In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security issues, Al’s life and work serve as a guiding light. His dedication to community engagement and the well-being of the land stands as a testament to the power of individual and collective action. As Marin County evolves, Al’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the region and inspire generations to come.”
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