Proposed Budget Draws Mixed Reviews from Farmers

Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget, and according to the California Farm Bureau, it shows strong commitment to wildfire response, climate resilience and water infrastructure, but leaves gaps for agriculture and rural communities.

Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass says farmers and ranchers are eager to help lead on wildfire prevention, but notes that funding for proactive strategies on working lands remains limited. She says practices like grazing, vegetation management and stewardship reduce fuel loads and protect rural areas, and expanding them statewide would build long term resilience.

Douglass also emphasizes that water reliability is the backbone of farming in California. While she welcomes investments in flood protection, groundwater recharge and drought resilience, she says infrastructure alone will not deliver results unless projects are paired with regulatory efficiency so they can move forward.

She adds that agriculture is increasingly relied on for wildfire mitigation, water resilience and climate solutions, yet is still not recognized as critical infrastructure. As Douglass puts it, “Farmers and ranchers stand ready to partner with the state.”