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AB-937 • 2026

The Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995: Organic Transition Program.

The Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995: Organic Transition Program.

Agriculture
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Connolly
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific information on how much money is available for the Organic Transition Program or which organizations will receive grants.

Cannella Environmental Farming Act: Organic Transition Program

This act requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to create an Organic Transition Program that provides grants to organizations supporting farmers who want to switch their land to organic farming.

What This Bill Does

  • Creates an Organic Transition Program by July 1, 2026, to help farmers transition their land to certified organic production.
  • Awards grants to eligible organizations to provide incentives for farmers and ranchers to make the transition to organic farming.
  • Ensures that at least 25% of the program's funding goes to support activities by technical assistance provider organizations who assist with organic farming.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Farmers and ranchers transitioning their land to certified organic production.
  • Organizations providing incentives and technical assistance for farmers making the transition to organic farming.

Terms To Know

certified organic
A type of farming where no harmful chemicals are used, and only natural methods are allowed to grow crops or raise animals.
technical assistance provider organizations
Groups that offer help and advice to farmers on how to improve their farming practices, especially when switching to organic methods.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the exact amount of funding available for the Organic Transition Program.
  • It is unclear which organizations will receive grants under this program.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-05-23 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Held under submission.

  4. 2025-04-09 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  5. 2025-03-27 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (March 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  6. 2025-03-27 California Legislative Information

    Coauthors revised.

  7. 2025-03-03 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on AGRI.

  8. 2025-02-20 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.

  9. 2025-02-19 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 937, as introduced, Connolly.
The Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995: Organic Transition Program.
The Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995 requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to establish and oversee an environmental farming program to provide incentives to farmers whose practices promote the well-being of ecosystems, air quality, and wildlife and their habitat. The act also requires the department to establish the Healthy Soils Program and a technical assistance grant program, as specified.
This bill would require the department, as part of the Cannella Environmental Farming Act of 1995, to establish and oversee the Organic Transition Program on or before July 1, 2026. The bill would require the department, under the program, to award grants to eligible organizations to provide incentives to farmers and ranchers to transition land to certified organic production, as specified, and to make available 25% of moneys appropriated
to the department for the program to support certain activities at organic technical assistance provider organizations. The bill would also authorize the department to provide funding for the preparation and implementation of conservation management plans for organic transition

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
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