September 2026
Action Alert: California’s Investment in Farmland Conservation
California has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting farmland and ranchland with the signing of the AB 113 Budget Act of 2026, which includes $50 million for the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program and directs at least 20% of funding from the AHSC Sustainable Communities Account, administered by the Strategic Growth Council, to SALC.
The continued funding comes after SALC faced the possibility of significant cuts in the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget earlier this year. Yolo Land Trust joined a statewide coalition organized by the American Farmland Trust of agricultural, conservation, land trust, and rural community organizations advocating for continued investment in the SALC Program.
“This investment reflects California’s continued leadership in protecting working lands, supporting farmers and ranchers, and advancing smart land use planning,” said Chelsea Gazillo, California Senior Policy Manager for American Farmland Trust (AFT), in a statement released by AFT. “This funding will help ensure that California’s agricultural lands remain in production for generations to come, supporting food security, rural economies, climate resilience, and the long-term viability of the state’s farming and ranching communities.”
For Yolo Land Trust, continued SALC funding has a direct impact on the ability to permanently protect local farms. Since 1988, Yolo Land Trust has been serving the community of Yolo County by partnering with local farmland owners to permanently conserve their farmland and natural resources to preserve a legacy of agriculture.
“SALC is a critical part of Yolo Land Trust’s efforts to protect Yolo County farms,” said John Currey, Executive Director of Yolo Land Trust. “Without SALC funding, many farmland conservation opportunities simply would not be financially feasible.”
Yolo Land Trust has seen firsthand what SALC makes possible. Since 2018, Yolo Land Trust has received $2.02M in SALC grant funding to permanently protect 313 acres of prime farmland. Most recently, SALC awarded Yolo Land Trust $2.34 million to permanently protect 800 acres of Yolo County farmland across four family-owned farms.
“Protecting farmland takes years of relationship-building, and continued public funding helps turn farmers’ commitment to conservation into permanent protection,” said Mr. Currey. “This investment supports the farms and ranches that feed our communities while protecting open space, wildlife habitat, and the agricultural economy for future generations.”
The need for continued investment is significant. Across California, agricultural lands face increasing pressure from development, water scarcity, and a changing climate. California loses an average of 37,000 acres of farmland and ranchland each year to conversion to non-agricultural uses. The loss is permanent, not only for the farmers who steward the land, but for every Californian who depends on a resilient local food supply, open space, clean air, and a healthy environment.
The SALC Program provides critical funding to permanently protect farmland from conversion to non-agricultural uses. Through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and planning grants, the program prevents urban sprawl, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the long-term viability of farming and ranching in the state.
“Every farmland conservation success for Yolo Land Trust depends on a diverse funding strategy,” said Liz Heckles, Stewardship Director for Yolo Land Trust. “For more than 30 years, public funding, private land donations, and private purchases required for developer mitigation have helped make permanent farmland conservation possible. Together, these resources have enabled Yolo Land Trust to conserve 13,085 acres across 79 farms in Yolo County.”
Yolo Land Trust appreciates the Governor, State Legislature, American Farmland Trust, and the many agricultural and conservation organizations and community members who advocated for continued SALC funding. The investment provides an important foundation for protecting California’s agricultural lands and ensuring that farms and ranches can remain in agriculture for generations to come.
What others are saying about the Governor’s approval of SALC funding in the FY 2026-2027 California Budget:
“Growing up as a farmer, I know how much our land means to the families who work it and to the communities that depend on it. This investment is about making sure our farmers and ranchers have a future here and that our children and grandchildren can continue to grow healthy food and make a living on this land,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “I’m proud of this investment and grateful to everyone who came together to make it possible.”
“Protecting farms and ranches that feed California is good for our people, economy and our environment,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “It means more food production, less sprawl. More rural jobs, less traffic and congestion. Now, thanks to our Governor and Legislature, we’re doubling down by funding more affordable housing and agricultural preservation so growth happens where it should. The result is cleaner air, vibrant communities, and thriving working lands that endure for generations.”
“California’s farm and ranch lands are among our state’s most valuable resources,” said California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program is a proven investment that protects productive working lands while supporting the long-term viability of farming and ranching across the state. This funding advances the priorities outlined in CDFA’s Climate Resilience Strategy and the State’s AB 1757 Nature-Based Solutions targets, and I am grateful to Governor Newsom, our legislative leaders, and the many agricultural and conservation partners whose collaboration made this investment possible. Together, we are ensuring California’s working lands continue to deliver economic, environmental, and food security benefits for generations to come.”
“At a time when farmers and ranchers face significant economic pressures, this investment in SALC will help keep agricultural lands in production and ensure a strong future for California agriculture,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Vice President of Farmland Protection and Strategic Priorities at American Farmland Trust. “As a farmer and policymaker, I know firsthand the essential role farmland and ranchland play in securing our food supply, strengthening our economy, and sustaining our rural communities. American Farmland Trust applauds our coalition partners, legislative champions, and the Newsom Administration for recognizing that protecting working lands is an investment in all of California.”
