Farmland Access and Conservation for Thriving Communities Act.

Assembly Member Wilson's farmland access initiative establishes a new program within California's Department of Conservation to help socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers acquire agricultural land through grants, forgivable loans, and technical assistance. The program, created in partnership with the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force, provides funding to qualified entities like nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments to purchase farmland for transfer or long-term lease to eligible farmers.

The legislation creates a dedicated Farmland Access Fund in the State Treasury to finance land acquisition, planning support, and infrastructure improvements. At least one-third of program funds must go to tribal governments and entities for agricultural and ancestral land reclamation. Qualified entities receiving assistance must transfer purchased land to eligible farmers within five years through either direct sale with conservation easements or long-term leases of at least 10 years that include purchase options. The Department may contract with experienced nonprofits to administer the program, subject to oversight from the Agricultural Land Equity Task Force.

The bill responds to data showing California loses approximately 50,000 acres of farmland annually while average per-acre costs have reached $13,400 - among the highest nationally. Recipients must commit to sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil health, biodiversity and conservation. The program prioritizes smaller-scale operations under 500 acres and entities demonstrating experience working with socially disadvantaged farmers, who face documented barriers accessing traditional farm loan programs and secure land tenure.