Logo courtesy of California Department of Food and Agriculture

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry that places two California agricultural advisory committees into state law.

Assembly Bill 52 codifies the California BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee, which advise the California Department of Food and Agriculture on programs and policies affecting farmers and ranchers.

"California's farmers and ranchers should have a voice in the decisions that affect their work and their communities," Aguiar-Curry said. "AB 52 helps make sure their voices continue to be heard, especially the farmers and ranchers who have too often faced barriers to getting the support they need."

CDFA created the two committees following passage of the Farmer Equity Act in 2017, which Aguiar-Curry also authored. The law recognized barriers faced by socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and required the department to consider their perspectives in its work.

The advisory committees provide farmers, ranchers and small-scale producers with a way to provide input on state agricultural programs and policies.

AB 52 establishes both committees in state law rather than leaving their continued existence to CDFA administrative action. The legislation gives CDFA statutory authority for the committees while allowing the department flexibility in how they operate.

According to information provided by Aguiar-Curry's office, AB 52 is consistent with recent federal court decisions addressing programs for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Her office said those decisions concern specific federal programs and do not prevent California from defining socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or establishing state programs.

Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, said farmers and ranchers bring direct experience to discussions about state agricultural policy.

"The farmers and ranchers who feed our state know firsthand what's working and what isn't, so their voices matter," Aguiar-Curry said. "These committees make sure those voices are heard when we're making decisions about California agriculture. This law helps keep that seat at the table."