CA AB1401

Establishes the California Transition to Organics Act of 2009 and creates the Transition to Organics Fund in the State Treasury to be funded by federal, industry, and citizen sources (not General Fund moneys).

Provides financial assistance to farms transitioning from uncertified to certified organic status, reimbursing 25 percent of certification costs up to $250 per farm and $1,000 per person annually on a first-come-first-served basis.

Limits fund expenditures to reimbursement for organic certification costs and administrative/operational expenses for administering the act, with fund administration by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate with the federal Organic Certification Cost-Share program and to adopt necessary regulations to implement the act.

Requires applicants to provide accurate information and allows the Secretary to levy civil penalties against persons who provide false information in their assistance applications.