Farmer Equity Act of 2017

“While historic discrimination won’t be solved overnight, the Farmer Equity Act opens the door requiring that state officials identify and address the ways farmers of color, including black farmers, have largely been ignored.” (Dr. Gail Myers)

The Farmer Equity Act (Assembly Bill 1348), authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), adds a definition of “Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher” and “Socially Disadvantaged Group” to the California Food and Agriculture Code: defined as a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include people who are African American, American Indian, Alaskan native, Hispanic, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. AB 1348 directs the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to better provide resources, outreach, technical assistance, and decision-making power to these growers.

For years, farmers of color have been subject to discriminatory practices in agriculture: from being denied land ownership in the early 19th and 20th centuries, to receiving less in government loans compared to their white counterparts. These historic struggles led to the codification of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the 1990 Farm Bill to provide improved outreach and assistance to underserved farmers and ranchers. While efforts at the federal level have largely focused on grants and outreach, the California bill took effect across CDFA, including how CDFA creates new rules, forms governance committees, and manages grant-making programs. 

AB 1348 Media Coverage

California leads the nation in the diversity of its farmers and ranchers. Between 2007 and 2012, census data show that California experienced the largest increase of Asian-American farmers of any state, with over 3,500 producers. While the number of California farms overall decreased by 3.9% from 2007 to 2012, the number of Latina/o-operated farms simultaneously increased by 8%. Today, California ranks third in the nation in concentration of Latina/o farmers, with its 9,815 Latina/o farmers operating twelve percent of all California farms, while only 3% of farms nationwide are operated by Latinas/os.

Despite this significant growth, farmers of color tend to earn less money on average and receive 36% less in government funding than their white counterparts. Support programs critical to farm survival also exhibit limited reach to farmers of color. While 35% of non-Hispanic farmers acquire crop insurance, for example, only 10% of Hispanics are enrolled in USDA insurance programs, and just 1% in Monterey County. Insurance is critical for undercapitalized and beginning farmers who are most vulnerable to market and/or crop failures.

The new law will ensure farmers of color in our urban centers are not overlooked— another growing demographic of farmers crucial in providing food in places where fresh fruits and vegetables can be difficult to find.

The Farmer Equity Act directly responds to California’s climate-smart investments in agriculture. Farmers in underserved areas of the state suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change and local environmental pollution. By the creation of a definition of Socially Disadvantaged Farmer, this legislation will increase access to “climate smart” technical assistance among small and mid-size farms in the future.

After drafting the Farmer Equity Act and working with Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry to pass the bill, the California Farmer Justice Collaborative is remaining active in its implementation. CFJC has produced a report entitled “Growing Inclusion: Implementation of the Farmer Equity Act of 2017”, which outlines the group’s vision for increasing inclusion and equity at CDFA. CFJC continues to work with farmers of color to understand the bill’s promise and potential and advocate for its full implementation within CDFA. 

CFJC policy work BUILT ON FARMER EQUITY ACT

2017

Our work to pass the 2017 Farmer Equity Act
How did the Farmer Equity Act come to be, who worked to pass it, and what was its intent?

Farmer Equity Act Bill Text
Legislative text of the amendments to the California Food and Agriculture Code adding a definition of “Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher”

Farmer Equity Act Fact Sheet
SB 1348 (Farmer Equity Act) quick bill facts prepared by the California Farmer Justice Collaborative

2018

Growing Inclusion at the California Department of Food and Agriculture: Implementation of the Farmer Equity Act
A report prepared by Beth Spitler for the California Farmer Justice Collaborative. Goldman School of Public Policy. University of California Berkeley, Spring 2018

Recommendations for Implementation of the Farmer Equity Act of 2017: Executive Summary
Summary of recommendations by members of the California Farmer Justice Collaborative to the California Department of Food and Agriculture regarding the implementation of the Farmer Equity Act, Spring 2018

2020

CDFA’s 2020 Report to the California Legislature on the Farmer Equity Act
CDFA’s first report outlining major findings regarding historic inequities in CA Farming. Based on research conducted by CDFA staff and led by CDFA’s Farm Equity Advisor.

CFJC’s Statement on the release of the 2020 Report to the California Legislature on the Farmer Equity Act
CFJC’s response to the report process and document released by the CA Department of Food and Agriculture, above

2021

CDFA BIPOC Farmer Advisory Committee — Established

California's first formal advisory committee composed of BIPOC farmers and ranchers, created by CDFA to advise the Secretary on Farmer Equity Act implementation. CFJC members helped push for its formation and continue to participate.

California Farmer Justice Collaborative is a fiscally sponsored project of Pesticide Action Network North America.