CA AB2482

Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to establish and administer the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program to provide grants to agricultural operations for irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases, energy use, and increase water use efficiency upon legislative appropriation of funds.

Prioritizes financial assistance for farms and ranches of 500 acres or less and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, with consideration for projects providing cobenefits such as improved water quality, groundwater recharge, and surface water efficiency.

Requires the department to fund culturally competent training on irrigation and nutrient management targeting farm operators, with training provided free of charge to grant recipients and available to the public.

Mandates the Secretary of Food and Agriculture to convene an ad hoc technical advisory committee by April 1, 2021, to make recommendations by July 1, 2022, on program guidelines, quantification methods, application processes, and scoring criteria to improve participation and outcomes.

Prohibits technical advisory committee members from applying for grants from the program while serving on the committee and expands the definition of "technical assistance" to include training.