Now that it’s officially 2026, more than 900 new laws have gone into effect in California. These include a ban on plastic bags, new changes to food safety labels, and limits on the out-of-pocket cost of insulin. Several of those laws also pertain to the agricultural industry. Here are three ag-related laws that may relate to your growing operation.
Senate Bill 279
This bill expands California’s composting infrastructure, providing a climate-free alternative to the burning of agricultural waste. Vineyards, orchards, and farms of all sizes — from large-scale operations to community-run neighborhood farms — are now allowed to create their own compost onsite, combining it with organic materials from offsite. Composting operations can sell or give away up to 5,000 cubic yards of compost annually, which marks a 500% increase from the previous limit. Thanks to SB 279, California’s agricultural community can continue to reduce landfill volume while building sustainable, carbon-sequestering soil.
Assembly Bill 732
When California farms are abandoned, they can become breeding grounds for rodents, pests, and invasive species like the navel orangeworm and Carpophilus beetle. This can have a ripple effect, spreading issues to neighboring farmlands and affecting crops that would otherwise be healthy. AB 732 allows county commissioners to hold landowners accountable for their neglected properties by levying a system of fines. The goal is to cut down on pests, clean up unused properties, and protect growing operations across the state.
Assembly Bill 518
Agritourism is a rising industry in California, providing new revenue streams for growers while increasing the general public’s connection to agriculture itself. This bill makes it easier for farmers and landowners to host small, low-impact camping events on their lands, bypassing many of the state’s regulations for formal campgrounds. The bill couldn’t arrive at a better time, allowing farmers to diversify their income as land ownership prices continue to climb.
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