California Protects 40000 Acres of Farmland

Oct 15, 2025
By Farms.com

SALC grants return land to tribes and veterans

California has announced over $128 million in Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program grants to protect more than 40,000 acres of croplands and rangelands across 24 counties. This initiative will return over 11,000 acres to California Native American tribes, secure farmland for military veterans, and benefit low-income farming communities.

"Land protection goes hand-in-hand with community needs – today’s grants work with Native communities, veterans, and farmers in low-income areas to ensure that California’s fertile farmland is put to good agricultural use, while protecting our environment, our unique habitats and biodiversity, and communities," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Eight projects will return 11,316 acres to tribes, supporting cultural and traditional agricultural practices. “It has never been more important to protect California’s agricultural lands from conversion to more pollution-heavy land uses such as residential development,” said Erin Curtis, executive director of SGC. “SALC projects that support farmers, preserve habitats and protect our environment are a win-win-win, and we are so grateful for the partnership.”

The funding supports 52 grants, including several for veteran-owned farms and low-income communities. These projects aim to safeguard farmland, maintain food access, and prevent development that increases pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Department of Conservation, the program will reduce emissions by 3,332,497 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent—equal to removing more than 777,000 gas-powered cars from the road for one year.

Since its launch, SALC has invested over $400 million in more than 200 projects, protecting 240,000 acres statewide. The program, part of the Strategic Growth Council’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities initiative, ensures California can grow responsibly—building affordable housing while conserving agricultural and open lands for future generations.

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.