CA AB1289

Establishes the Smart Climate Agriculture Program under the Department of Food and Agriculture to provide grants to farmers on small to midsize farms transitioning from livestock or feed crop production to plant-based agriculture.

Requires the department to develop best practices for transitioning land to plant-based agriculture and provide technical assistance through resource conservation districts, UC Cooperative Extension, and nonprofit organizations.

Directs the department to develop a prioritization rubric for grant applications based on water intensity and market demand, favoring less water-intensive crops in high demand.

Requires grant recipients to submit applications describing the land to be transitioned and a transition plan using department-developed best practices, along with any other information the department deems necessary.

Requires grant recipients to provide reports in consultation with technical assistance providers demonstrating their transition to plant-based agriculture.