California Farm Bill Debates: New Legislation Reshapes Water, Land Access, and Labor for Farmers

Sacramento – June 7, 2025 – California, a state at the forefront of agricultural innovation and environmental policy, is once again a hotbed of legislative activity impacting its crucial farming sector. From addressing the ongoing challenges of water scarcity and labor costs to promoting climate-smart practices and ensuring land preservation, recent bills in Sacramento are sparking passionate debates among legislators, farmers, environmentalists, and labor advocates.

California Assemblymember Mia Bonta, 18th District

One of the most actively discussed pieces of legislation is Assembly Bill 524, known as the "Farmland Access and Conservation for Thriving Communities Act." Introduced by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), this bill seeks to establish the Farmland Access and Conservation for Thriving Communities (FACT-CA) Program within the Department of Conservation. The program aims to provide financial and technical assistance to support equitable land access and tenure for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, as well as beginning farmers. This includes support for land identification, zoning and water rights verification, soil quality inspection, and even the creation of farmer and farmworker housing.

Proponents of AB 524, like Assemblymember Bonta, emphasize the need to address historical inequities in land ownership and to foster a new generation of farmers committed to sustainable practices. "We cannot talk about the future of California agriculture without ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at working the land," stated Assemblymember Bonta in a recent committee hearing. "AB 524 is a critical step towards creating a more inclusive and resilient food system that benefits our communities and our environment." Organizations such as the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) are strong supporters, seeing it as essential for promoting equity and climate resilience in farming.

However, some agricultural groups express concerns about the bill's practical implementation and potential burdens on existing landowners. While broadly supportive of supporting new farmers, groups like the California Farm Bureau Federation are closely monitoring the details, ensuring that the bill doesn't create unintended consequences or infringe on property rights. "We understand the noble intentions behind AB 524," a spokesperson for the California Farm Bureau commented, "but we must ensure that any new programs are practical, well-funded, and don't place undue restrictions on our current farming community, which is already navigating a complex regulatory landscape."

California Sate Senator Dave Cortese, District 15

Another significant piece of legislation drawing both praise and criticism is Senate Bill 462, championed by Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose). This bill seeks to permanently protect California agricultural lands through conservation easements by requiring a yearly $20-million appropriation to the California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP). Senator Cortese, whose family has deep roots in farming, views SB 462 as vital for safeguarding food security, wildlife, and water quality against urban sprawl. "This bill is more important than ever with all the development pressures we face," Senator Cortese remarked in a press release. "SB 462 will safeguard food security by maintaining productive farmland and importantly, makes it economically possible for a new generation of aspiring farmers to work the land." Environmental organizations and land trust groups are vocal supporters, applauding the sustained commitment to farmland preservation.

While the general concept of farmland preservation enjoys broad support, some debate has emerged around funding mechanisms and the balance between preservation and the need for new housing development in a state facing a housing crisis. Developers and some local planning committees, while acknowledging the importance of agriculture, sometimes argue for greater flexibility in land use to meet housing demands. Specific opposition quotes directly related to SB 462's funding or priorities were not immediately available, but the broader tension between agricultural land preservation and urban development is a recurring theme in California legislative debates.

Parched Almond Orchard in California Central Valley

Beyond specific bills, broader regulatory shifts continue to shape California's agricultural landscape. The ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) continues to be a significant factor for farmers, requiring strict local control over groundwater extraction. While seen as essential for long-term water security by environmental groups and state water agencies, many farmers, especially in regions with declining groundwater basins, face significant adjustments to their operations and potential reductions in water availability. "SGMA is a necessary reality, but it has certainly forced us to rethink every aspect of our water use," noted Sarah Johnson, a third-generation almond farmer in the Central Valley. "The challenge is balancing the long-term sustainability with the immediate economic viability of our farms."

Farm workers picking lettuce in a field in Salinas

Similarly, California's stringent labor laws, including ongoing phased-in overtime pay requirements for agricultural workers, continue to be a point of contention. While labor unions and worker advocacy groups hail these as crucial protections for farmworkers, many farmers argue they add significant costs and challenges to an already labor-intensive industry. "We want to pay our workers fairly, absolutely," stated Roberto Garcia, who manages a vegetable farm in Salinas, "but the cumulative effect of these mandates makes it incredibly difficult to compete with states that have far less restrictive labor laws. We need a balance that allows us to stay in business."

As these legislative and regulatory discussions unfold in Sacramento, the future of California's agriculture hangs in the balance. The outcomes will not only shape the state's food production and economy but also serve as a blueprint for agricultural policy across the nation. The passion and differing viewpoints expressed by all stakeholders underscore the complexity and vital importance of farming to the Golden State.