Jan 7, 2026California farmers face new regulations in 2026 from agritourism to wages
In California, the new year has ushered in a handful of new rules and regulations affecting agricultural operations throughout the state.
Caleb Howard with AgAlert.com writes, “As of Jan. 1, there are new laws pertaining to employee wages, management of abandoned farmland, organic waste disposal, agritourism and immigration enforcement.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes in the Golden State that pertain to specialty crop growers:
- California’s minimum wage increases from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour. Growers in California can expect annual increases to the state’s minimum wage, Howard adds, because a state law passed in 2016 requires it be adjusted each year according to the consumer price index, which takes into account inflation.
- Assembly Bill 732 is a new state law that addresses how counties in California handle abandoned farmland, Howard reports. The law was enacted to compel landowners to properly take care of abandoned farmland due to the increase in pest pressure that often affects nearby fields, orchards and vineyards still in production. The new law allows agricultural commissioners to fine landowners $500 per acre if they fail to make a good faith effort to address a pest-related public nuisance within 30 days and $1,000 per acre if they do not act within 45 days.
- Senate Bill 279 increases the amount of agricultural waste farmers can compost on their land, Howard writes. The law provides alternative disposal options for discarded orchards and vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley, where open agricultural burning is no longer permitted.
- Assembly Bill 518 establishes a framework to reduce regulatory barriers for landowners to rent camping space on working farms and ranches. It was enacted to help California farms diversify their income streams by providing more opportunities for agritourism.
- Under Senate Bill 627, federal law enforcement agents are no longer permitted to wear masks that obscure their appearance and prevent citizens from being able to identify them during enforcement. There are certain circumstances, however, where masks are still permitted.
You can read the full report on new laws and regulations for California growers at AgAlert.com.
