Climate Action and Land Equity Project Expands Land Access for California Farmers

Program helps historically underserved farmers secure land and adopt climate-smart practices

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Climate Action and Land Equity (CAL) Project, a program run by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), is working to help farmers and ranchers across California secure land access and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. The program focuses on supporting historically underserved farmers and promoting regenerative farming methods to address climate change.

Why it matters

Access to farmland is a major challenge for many California farmers, especially those from underrepresented communities. The CAL Project aims to address this issue by providing resources and support to help farmers gain secure land tenure and implement sustainable farming techniques that can mitigate climate change impacts.

The details

The CAL Project offers a variety of services to California farmers, including assistance with land leasing and purchasing, technical support for adopting regenerative practices, and connections to financial resources. The program works closely with local communities and organizations to identify farmers in need of support and connect them with the appropriate resources.

  • The CAL Project was launched in 2023 by UC ANR.
  • The program has been expanding its reach across California over the past 3 years.

The players

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)

A division of the University of California system that conducts research and provides educational programs related to agriculture, natural resources, and community development.

Climate Action and Land Equity (CAL) Project

A program run by UC ANR that aims to increase land access and promote climate-smart agriculture practices for historically underserved farmers in California.

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What they’re saying

“The CAL Project is a game-changer for farmers like me who have struggled to find secure land to grow our crops. The support and resources they provide are truly invaluable.”

— Maria Hernandez, Organic vegetable farmer (local community newsletter)

“By helping farmers adopt regenerative practices, the CAL Project is not only improving land access, but also making a real difference in the fight against climate change.”

— Dr. Sarah Lim, Director, UC ANR Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (university press release)

What’s next

The CAL Project plans to expand its services to additional regions of California in the coming years, with the goal of reaching more farmers in need of land access and climate-smart agriculture support.

The takeaway

The Climate Action and Land Equity Project demonstrates how targeted programs can help address the interconnected challenges of land access, sustainable agriculture, and climate change, particularly for historically underserved farming communities.