California Governor Signed AB 113 Budget Act
The legislation provides $50 million for the state's Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Agriculture
Live Poll
Should your state government increase funding for the protection of farmland and ranchland?
California Governor signed the AB 113 Budget Act of 2026, which directs $50 million toward the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. This funding ensures the continuation of the program, which faced significant cuts in the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
Why it matters
The program serves as a critical mechanism for preserving farmland throughout the state, and this budgetary action prevents a potential reduction in land conservation efforts. The allocation was secured following extensive advocacy from a coalition of agricultural and conservation groups.
The AB 113 Budget Act allocates $50 million to the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. Additionally, the legislation mandates that 20% of funding from the AHSC Sustainable Communities Account be directed toward this conservation initiative.
The players
American Farmland Trust
This national organization works to protect farmland and promote environmentally sound farming practices.
Strategic Growth Council
This California state agency coordinates programs that support sustainable communities and natural resource conservation.
Yolo Land Trust
Based in Yolo County, this group works to preserve agricultural land by securing conservation easements with local farmers.
The details
The American Farmland Trust led a coalition of organizations to advocate for the funding, with participation from the Yolo Land Trust. Administered by the Strategic Growth Council, the program is now bolstered by a guaranteed portion of the AHSC account.
Timeline
The AB 113 Budget Act was signed in 2026.
The Governor proposed the fiscal year 2026-27 budget previously.
Market Landscape
This funding commitment follows the AB 113 Budget Act of 2026 and stabilizes the long-term viability of land conservation initiatives in California. It signals a shift toward prioritizing permanent agricultural protection against urban development pressures.
Agricultural producers and local land trusts benefit from the continued availability of state grants for land preservation. The legislation helps ensure that farm operations in California have more stability as land development pressure persists across the state.
The takeaway
The passage of this budget act underscores the legislative importance of balancing urban growth with farmland sustainability. Stakeholders can continue to coordinate through regional trusts to leverage state funding for local preservation projects.
Further reading
For more on state-led conservation initiatives, visit Agriculture.
Live Poll
Should your state government increase funding for the protection of farmland and ranchland?
