Bill > A4891

Introduced Session

This bill would establish the Office of the Farm Ombudsman in the Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the Office of the Farm Ombudsman would be to: (1) serve as a resource to provide information and support to farmers and prospective farmers regarding local, State, and federal laws and rules and regulations; (2) provide advice and assistance on the process of obtaining and renewing permits of any kind; (3) provide information, support, and assistance to farmers during declared federal or State states of emergency; (4) provide assistance, information, and advice to farmers and prospective farmers on plant and animal diseases and pests, land acquisition and expansion of farming operations, business planning, and climate issues; and (5) provide information, support, and assistance to farmers in grant application processes related to farming and farming operations. In addition, the Farm Ombudsman would: (1) serve as a source of information and assistance for farmers and prospective farmers to navigate local, State, and federal laws and regulations governing agriculture and business; (2) provide information and support to farmers and prospective farmers in navigating the process of obtaining and renewing permits related to farming and farming operations; (3) provide assistance and support to farmers and prospective farmers facing issues in the agriculture and business sectors; (4) gather information from farmers and prospective farmers on impediments to farming and land acquisition for farming; (5) identify patterns of complaints that emerge regarding agriculture, business, and permitting processes; (6) assist the department in developing and disseminating information to acquaint and educate farmers and prospective farmers about the services offered by the office; and (7) serve as a resource for agriculture and business-related information and referrals to other available programs and services for farmers and prospective farmers. The office would be required to make an annual report to the department that includes a summary of the services the ombudsman provided during the year, and any specific recommendations deemed necessary by the ombudsman on changes to existing laws, rules, regulations, programs, policies, and initiatives that concern farming and farming operations that will enhance their efficiency or effectiveness or that will promote the expansion of farming and farm operations. This bill would appropriate $250,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture in order to implement the Office of the Farm Ombudsman.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Andrea Katz (D)*,  Bill Spearman (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 10/17/2024)

Official Document