SB 1350 Summary

• Expands the Scientific Advisory Panel on Environmental Farming from 5 to 7 members, requiring at least 2 members with agricultural experience, 1 member with greenhouse gas/carbon sequestration expertise, 1 certified organic producer, and 1 with agricultural conservation expertise

• Establishes a Healthy Soils Program administered by the Department of Food and Agriculture to provide incentives including loans, grants, research, technical assistance, and education to farmers whose practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health

• Authorizes the Healthy Soils Program to fund on-farm demonstration projects and requires establishment of a technical advisory committee to review project applications for scientific validity and greenhouse gas benefits when demonstration projects are funded

• Requires the State Air Resources Board to consult with the Secretary of Food and Agriculture and the Scientific Advisory Panel when developing quantification methods for on-farm greenhouse gas emissions reductions

• Allows the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to appoint ex officio non-voting members to the panel and permits ad hoc committees to include representatives from nongovernmental entities