CA AB2499

Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to develop and oversee the Organic Transition Pilot Program for 5 years starting by July 1, 2024, providing grants, technical assistance, and educational support to farmers transitioning land to organic certification, with priority given to limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers.

Establishes a tiered funding priority system: first providing incentives to socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher applicants, then to limited resource applicants if funds remain, and finally to all other farmer or rancher applicants if funds are still available.

Makes eligible expenses for the program include organic seeds, livestock, feed, soil amendments, pest management supplies, certification fees, consultants for translation and organic certification, and farm supplies, but excludes processing equipment, farm construction, rent, and labor.

Allocates at least 15 percent of appropriated funds to technical service providers including UC Cooperative Extension, resource conservation districts, tribal programs, and nonprofits to provide organic technical assistance, mentorship programs, and training to limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers.

Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to submit annual reports to the Legislature by January 1, 2025, and thereafter detailing grants awarded, funds distributed, certifications obtained, and technical assistance providers used, with all provisions repealing on January 1, 2032.

Requires GO-Biz to conduct a comprehensive statewide market analysis of California's organic products sector by July 1, 2024, assessing employment, wages, economic impacts, state revenues, and growth opportunities, to be posted on its website.