Farmer equity: advisory committees

The committees give socially disadvantaged small- and medium-scale farmers and ranchers a formal channel to advise the state on agricultural programs and support.

What the law does ​

• Authorizes the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to establish the BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee and the Small-Scale Producer Advisory Committee.
• Allows the committees to advise the secretary and the Department of Food and Agriculture on programs, policies, education, outreach, technical assistance, and producer needs.
• Requires committee members to be socially disadvantaged small-scale or medium-scale farmers or ranchers.
• Reimburses members for actual and necessary travel expenses incurred on official committee business.
• Requires public, noticed committee meetings under the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act.

Who it affects ​

• Socially disadvantaged small-scale and medium-scale farmers and ranchers.
• The Secretary of Food and Agriculture and the Department of Food and Agriculture.