CA AB2313

Establishes the Regional Farmer Equipment and Cooperative Resources Assistance Pilot Program to provide financial and technical assistance for farm equipment sharing and cooperative development, primarily serving socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers and ranchers.

Eligible activities include developing and expanding equipment sharing programs, providing training and technical assistance on equipment use and maintenance, and funding cooperative development entities with relevant expertise.

Prioritizes funding for socially disadvantaged farmers first, then limited resource farmers if funds remain, then eligible entities serving these groups, with preference for farms of 500 acres or less.

Eligible applicants include resource conservation districts, county agricultural commissioners, UC Cooperative Extension, tribal entities, small farmer cooperatives, and nonprofits serving socially disadvantaged or limited resource farmers.

Program becomes operative only if voters approve the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 at the November 5, 2024 election and the Legislature appropriates funding; program expires January 1, 2030.