April 2026
Advocacy Update: Staying Engaged on Policies that Protect Farmland
This March, Yolo Land Trust Executive Director John Currey spent time advocating for strong state and federal policies that support farmland conservation. Yolo Land Trust works to advance public policies that strengthen long-term farmland protection and build awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in our communities.
Today, several funding sources for farmland conservation are at risk of being reduced. This poses serious consequences for agriculture and open space across California. That puts California agriculture, which is essential to our economy, environment, and food system, at-risk. The state produces more than 400 commodities, supports over 1.2 million jobs, and is home to 43 million acres of cropland and rangeland. Nearly half of the nation’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts are grown here.
Protecting farmland through permanent conservation easements helps ensure these lands remain in agriculture rather than being lost to non-agricultural development.
Highlighting the Need for SALC Funding
Recently, John joined staff from the Sacramento Valley Conservancy and the American River Conservancy to meet with Senator Cabaldon’s district staff. Together, they discussed the Sacramento Working Lands Collaborative and the importance of continued investment in the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program.
The collaborative—made up of seven regional land trusts—works to align conservation priorities, protect open space, and pursue funding opportunities across the greater Sacramento region. In 2025 alone, the group submitted 12 proposals to protect more than 8,500 acres through SALC.
Yet SALC funding faces significant reductions, despite being California’s leading farmland conservation program. In 2025 alone, the program invested more than $130 million to support 47 projects statewide, with more than $212 million in applications submitted. Demand continues to far exceed available funding, making continued support critical for protecting farmland, wildlife habitat, and climate-smart growth.
Advocating at the State Capitol
John also participated in California Council of Land Trusts Advocacy Days at the State Capitol during the annual Land & Water Conservation Conference. He joined 55 advocates in meetings with staff from 40 Assembly and Senate offices to discuss key priorities, including SALC funding, open space tax incentives (Open Space Tax Exemption, AB 1668), mitigation lands policy (Mitigation Lands Mitigation, AB 1802), and future conservation funding allocations (Prop 4).
Moving Forward Together
Farmland conservation requires strong partnerships, informed leadership, and a consistent voice in policy conversations. Yolo Land Trust will continue showing up, speaking out, and advocating for the farms, ranches, and open spaces that sustain our region. Together, we can ensure farmland remains protected for future generations.
