CA AB2377

Establishes a technical assistance grant program within the Department of Food and Agriculture to fund providers offering support to applicants for the Healthy Soils Program, alternative manure management practices programs, and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program.

Requires the secretary to allocate not less than 5% of appropriated funds for these programs (capped at $5,000,000) to the technical assistance grant program, with priority given to farms and ranches of 500 acres or less.

Defines eligible technical assistance providers as resource conservation districts, University of California Cooperative Extension, and nonprofit organizations with demonstrated expertise in agricultural management practices.

Mandates that at least 25% of grant program funds support socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, and prioritizes additional funding for providers serving predominantly socially disadvantaged populations to cover translation and outreach costs.

Requires the department to provide an update to the Scientific Advisory Panel on Environmental Farming by January 31, 2021, on grant program outcomes, technical assistance needs, and future plans.