California to Discuss New Small Farm Definition
State officials will consider updated criteria for small-scale farms at a public meeting scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hold a meeting on November 3, 2026, to discuss establishing a new statewide definition for small farms. The proposal aims to better categorize agricultural operations that may not fit current federal standards.
Why it matters
The existing USDA revenue threshold for small family farms has not been updated since 2013 and may no longer reflect the financial realities of California operations that supply local food systems. Redefining these classifications is critical because they determine eligibility for agricultural grants and state assistance programs.
The current USDA small family farm definition is set at $350,000 in annual revenue. This federal benchmark has remained unchanged for 13 years, creating potential gaps for California farms.
The players
California State Board of Food and Agriculture
This board advises the state government on agricultural policy and oversees initiatives that support the industry.
California Department of Food and Agriculture
This state agency is responsible for ensuring food safety and supporting the economic vitality of California's agricultural sector.
The details
The California Department of Food and Agriculture will present the discussion to the board in Sacramento to address how current definitions impact the state's agricultural landscape. Since small farms represent the majority of operations in California, developing a specific state-level definition could significantly alter access to vital financial resources.
Timeline
The USDA set the current small farm revenue threshold in 2013.
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hold a public meeting on November 3, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move marks a departure from reliance on the USDA small family farm revenue threshold, which has served as the national standard for over a decade. It reflects a growing push for states to customize agricultural policy to better serve local food systems.
Farmers across the state may soon see changes in how they qualify for essential agricultural grants and state support programs. These adjustments could directly influence the financial viability of local growers who currently fall outside of federal small-farm metrics.
The takeaway
Establishing a state-specific definition for small farms could provide more equitable access to funding for local producers. Readers should monitor state policy updates to understand how these potential changes might affect the cost and availability of locally grown products.
Further reading
Learn more about the Organic Food sector in the state.
More information
For more information on upcoming policy discussions, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST.
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Should states create their own small business definitions to replace outdated federal standards?
