We are thrilled to share that California’s 2026–27 state budget includes $15 million for the Organic Transition Pilot Program (OTPP). The Legislature approved the funding through SB 113 (Laird), which updated the state budget passed in June to include this critical investment for OTPP.
OTPP provides small farmers with wraparound technical and financial support to successfully implement organic practices and achieve organic certification. CCOF alone has supported more than 33 farmers in transitioning over 1,705 acres to organic management, and this new funding means even more growers will have the resources they need to make that leap. More than half of the program funds support socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, ensuring the benefits of organic transition reach the communities that need them most.
This investment will also help California move closer to its climate goal of transitioning 10% of cropland to organic by 2030—a target that depends on exactly this kind of sustained public support.
CCOF members were key to this win. This outcome reflects years of collaboration among CCOF members, CDFA staff, and our organizational partners, who made the case for OTPP through legislative meetings, hearings, farm tours, and firsthand experiences.
We thank Senator Laird for his leadership in securing this critical investment, and we are deeply grateful to our members, CDFA staff, legislative champions, and partners whose engagement made this possible.
CCOF will continue to work with CDFA to learn more about the next round of funding for the program and will keep members informed as additional information becomes available.
Please feel free to contact CCOF Senior Policy Advocate Jessica Gonzalez with any questions or to get involved.
