California Introduces Bill To Help Farmers Transition To Sustainable, Plant-Based Agriculture
The legislation will help make California a leader in supplying and processing plant-based foods, as demand for more sustainable plant-protein continues to soar.
A new bill that will help farmers transition from animal agriculture to plant-based agriculture has been introduced in California.
The Smart Climate Agriculture Program (AB 1289) is designed to reduce the state’s global emissions whilst also setting up California as a leader in supplying and processing plant-based foods.
Currently, large proportions of California’s agricultural lands are used to cultivate feeding crops for livestock and farm livestock directly. That system is responsible for eco-damaging emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, which are a leading cause of global warming.
Scientists and environmentalists around the world are urging governments to pledge to work towards more sustainable agriculture, with growing more plant-based food a key demand.
Now, California’s AB 1289 bill will make it easier for farmers who currently farm livestock, to transition to grow crops that can serve as inputs for plant-based foods.
With demand for plant-based protein continuing to soar, the bill helps ensure that farmers can adapt and diversify in a changing industry, and help create more jobs.
“By providing our local farms with the tools and resources to transition to plant-based agriculture, farmers can play a greater role in combating climate change through sustainable practices, while helping the state become a leader in supplying and processing plant-based foods and products for our ever-growing population,” said Assembly member Kalra (D-San Jose), who introduced the bill on February 19.
The bill is co authored by Assembly member Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and The Good Food Institute.
“Consumer demand for plant-based foods is skyrocketing,” said Jessica Almy, Director of Policy at The Good Food Institute. “AB 1289 supports farmers who want to meet this demand and put themselves at the center of an emerging, sustainable industry. As California looks to strengthen its food system and create green jobs, AB 1289 will provide a critical tool to ensure opportunities for farmers and options for consumers.”
The market for plant-based food in the U.S. reached $5 billion in 2019, up 11% from 2018 according to The Good Food Institute.
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