CA AB2964

Revises the California Farmland Conservancy Program Act to authorize the program to offer financial assistance including grants and contracts for agricultural conservation projects, land improvements, planning, and technical assistance in addition to easement acquisitions.

Expands the continuously appropriated fund to include interest earned on federal grants, gifts, and donations designated for program purposes, and allows the department to pay direct costs associated with acquiring easements or fee title.

Establishes new requirements that applicants notify local planning directors within two miles of proposed properties before applying, and grants local jurisdictions 30 days to submit written comments that the department must consider.

Specifies that agricultural conservation easements cannot restrict activities including agricultural production, water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, wildlife restoration, secondary dwelling units, and renewable energy facilities, provided they do not significantly impair long-term agricultural use.

Clarifies that conservation easements and fee title instruments must be recorded with county recorders and prohibits local governments from conditioning development entitlements on granting conservation easements.