Farmer Equity Act of 2017: socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers: definition.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Agriculture
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed Assembly
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Farmer Equity Act of 2017, amends the definition of ‘socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers’ in California’s food and agricultural laws. Instead of focusing on racial or ethnic prejudice, it now defines these farmers and ranchers as those who face barriers to agricultural viability due to economic or structural factors, such as limited access to capital or being a ‘beginning farmer.’ The bill also makes conforming changes to related sections of the Food and Agricultural Code and Public Resources Code.
Key provisions
- Redefines ‘socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher’ to include those experiencing economic or structural barriers to agricultural viability.
- Specifies criteria for determining eligibility, including limited access to capital, being a ‘beginning farmer,’ or a ‘limited resource farmer.’
- Makes conforming changes to Sections 511 and 512 of the Food and Agricultural Code.
- Includes definitions related to ‘disadvantaged community’ and ‘economically distressed areas’ in Section 90100 of the Public Resources Code.
- Clarifies definitions related to restoration and structure hardening in Section 90100 of the Public Resources Code.
- Adds ‘Tribe’ to the list of definitions in Section 90100 of the Public Resources Code.
- Defines ‘vulnerable population’ in Section 90100 of the Public Resources Code.
- Reinforces the intent to support socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through department policies.
Who is affected
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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