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AB 524

Farmland Access and Conservation for Thriving Communities Act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and 9 co-sponsors

AB 524 establishes California farmland conservation and access programs to support beginning farmers and preserve agricultural land, but was vetoed by the Governor despite near-unanimous legislative support.

Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 524

Legislative bill overview

AB 524 aims to improve farmland access and conservation in California by establishing programs and funding mechanisms to support agricultural land preservation and beginning farmers. The bill passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support before being vetoed by the Governor on October 1, 2025.

Why is this important

California faces declining agricultural acreage and barriers for new farmers entering the profession due to high land costs and limited access to resources. The bill addresses food security, rural economic development, and environmental conservation by creating pathways for sustainable farming operations and preserving productive agricultural land.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanisms and costs: The bill likely requires state funding or creates new programs, raising questions about budgetary impacts and whether funding sources are sustainable or appropriate
  • Property rights and land use regulation: Conservation easements and farmland preservation programs may be viewed as restricting private property rights or imposing regulatory burdens on landowners
  • Implementation complexity: Establishing new agricultural access programs requires coordination between agencies and may face practical challenges in administration, eligibility determination, and program delivery

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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