California Secured $50M for Farm Conservation Program
State agriculture operators will see continued funding for land preservation efforts in the 2026 fiscal year.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Agriculture
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California Governor signed the AB 113 Budget Act of 2026, which provides $50 million for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. This funding ensures ongoing support for agricultural preservation initiatives that faced potential cuts.
Why it matters
The investment mitigates the impact of proposed funding cuts in the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, maintaining stability for land conservation efforts. Operators can expect the program to continue its role in protecting agricultural land from development.
The AB 113 Budget Act directs $50 million to the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, alongside a mandate allocating 20% of funding from the AHSC Sustainable Communities Account to the same program. The scale of the total state budget impact remains as established by the act.
The players
Strategic Growth Council
A state agency that coordinates policies regarding land use, climate change, and housing, and administers the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program.
American Farmland Trust
A national organization focused on protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land through advocacy and research.
Yolo Land Trust
A local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting farmland and open space in the Yolo region through conservation easements and advocacy.
The details
The funding is funneled through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, which is administered by the Strategic Growth Council. The act specifically earmarks 20% of the AHSC Sustainable Communities Account to replenish the program's resources. This legislative shift follows advocacy from a coalition of agricultural and conservation groups, including the Yolo Land Trust, intended to stabilize long-term land management budgets.
Timeline
The AB 113 Budget Act was signed into law in 2026.
The funding applies to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget cycle.
Market Landscape
The AB 113 Budget Act solidifies the financial footing of the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program following a period of fiscal uncertainty. This move aligns with broader state efforts to prioritize permanent farmland protection against development pressures.
Landowners and agricultural operators should monitor the Strategic Growth Council for new application cycles enabled by this $50 million appropriation. Consult with local land trusts to determine how these funds might support specific conservation easement or management projects in the upcoming fiscal cycle.
The takeaway
Legislative intervention has effectively protected agricultural conservation funding from projected fiscal year 2026-27 cuts. Operators should review the Strategic Growth Council guidelines to identify specific grant opportunities for land preservation projects.
Further reading
For broader context on state-level land use initiatives, visit the Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Davis Enterprise.
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