Announced in the California Budget Act of 2022 (AB-179), the California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force (Task Force) will develop recommendations to equitably increase access to agricultural land for food production and traditional tribal agricultural uses. The Task Force will meet on a quarterly basis over a three-year period and deliver a full report of recommendations at the end of the three years.
The Task Force shall consist of a regionally diverse group of individuals of up to 13 members, including native and tribal liaisons, a land trust representative, individuals with expertise in issues affecting socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, an individual with expertise in agricultural land acquisition and finance, State Board of Food and Agriculture member, a farmworker representative, a beginning farmer, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Farm Equity Advisor, and an individual from the CDFA BIPOC Farmer Advisory Committee that is currently being established.
Organizations and individuals may nominate one or more persons qualified for membership on the Task Force. For individuals, this includes the option to self-nominate. Nominations will be reviewed by a five-member committee comprised of State representatives, with recommendations submitted to the Strategic Growth Council in advance of the February 28, 2023, meeting.
Members shall be appointed by the Council, in consultation with the CDFA Farm Equity Advisor and the California Truth and Healing Council, and ensure that Task Force recommendations further the objectives of the Farmer Equity Act of 2017, as described in Sections 511 and 513 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
The Task Force will meet pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, which requires all State boards and commissions to publicly notice their meetings, prepare agendas, accept public testimony, and conduct their meetings in public unless specifically authorized to meet in closed session. On or before January 1, 2026, the Task Force shall submit a report to the Legislature and Governor, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, that includes a set of policy recommendations on how to address the agricultural land equity crisis.
For additional information, including the purpose, scope, and membership responsibilities of the Committee, on our Resources page.
Application Period and How to Apply
Applications will be accepted November 1–December 15, 2022.
Applicants recommended for the Committee will be notified in January 2022. Membership recommendations will be considered at the Strategic Growth Council’s February 2023 meeting.
View The California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force application
Frequently Asked Questions and Informational Webinar
Agency staff will post a Frequently Asked Questions Page and hold an informational meeting on November 15, 2022.
Please send any questions to landequity@sgc.ca.gov.