A new bill aimed at improving land access for California's beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers is gaining traction in the Assembly Agriculture Committee. Assembly Bill 524 seeks to establish a statewide land access program through the Department of Conservation, addressing a critical issue that has long hindered the agricultural community.

The bill highlights the historical challenges faced by these farmers, including racial discrimination and unjust lending practices that have made land tenure increasingly unattainable. According to the Department of Conservation, California loses nearly 50,000 acres of agricultural land each year, which not only threatens rural economies but also undermines the state's food security and environmental sustainability.

Jamie Fanous, the policy and organizing director for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that small farms are disappearing at an alarming rate—approximately four small farms are lost each day. He pointed out that 75% of California farmers operate on less than $100,000 in annual gross sales, making it difficult for them to compete in a landscape dominated by a small number of large landowners.

Darlene Ruiz, a representative from a family farm in Stanislaus County, shared her personal experience with the challenges of land access. Her family has faced multiple displacements due to landowners selling properties, leaving them with little time to find new locations. Ruiz stressed that without long-term leases, farmers cannot make sound business plans or invest in their crops, which often require years to establish.

AB 524 aims to fill the gap in state support for these farmers by providing financial and technical assistance for land acquisition and long-term leases. This initiative is seen as a vital step toward ensuring equity in agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices.

As the bill moves forward, it represents a significant opportunity to strengthen California's agricultural future and support the families who contribute to the state's rich farming heritage. The committee's discussions underscore the pressing need for action to secure land access for those who grow food for local communities.