Jan 7, 2026

California farms face new rules in 2026, from wages to waste disposal

In California, the new year brings several new rules and regulations affecting agricultural operations across the state.

According to AgAlert.com reports, “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 that matter most to specialty crop growers:

• California’s minimum wage rises from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour. Growers can expect future increases as well. A state law passed in 2016 requires the minimum wage to adjust annually based on the consumer price index, which reflects inflation.
• Assembly Bill 732 sets new requirements for counties dealing with abandoned farmland. The goal is to ensure landowners maintain neglected fields, which can increase pest pressure on neighboring orchards, vineyards and farms. Agricultural commissioners can now fine landowners $500 per acre if they fail to address a pest-related public nuisance within 30 days and $1,000 per acre if they fail to act within 45 days.
• Senate Bill 279 raises the amount of agricultural waste farmers can compost on their land. The law gives growers more disposal options for removed orchards and vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley, where open agricultural burning is no longer allowed.
• Assembly Bill 518 reduces regulatory barriers for landowners who want to rent camping space on working farms and ranches. The intent is to help diversify farm income by expanding agritourism opportunities.
• Under Senate Bill 627, federal law enforcement agents may no longer wear masks that obscure their identity during enforcement actions. Exceptions remain in certain situations.

Growers can read the full report on California’s new agricultural laws at AgAlert.com.