Oct 27, 2025California takes aim at abandoned orchards with new enforcement tool
California lawmakers have approved new measures designed to curb the spread of pests and diseases from neglected orchards and vineyards, a growing concern for nut growers across the state.
Assembly Bill 732, authored by Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon) and signed into law in October 2025, gives county agricultural commissioners new authority to address abandoned or unmanaged acreage that becomes a public nuisance. Under the law, commissioners can now issue civil penalties of up to $500 per acre, rising to $1,000 per acre if landowners fail to take corrective action.
Previously, commissioners’ primary option was to place a lien on the property after abatement, a costly and time-consuming process. The new law provides a faster enforcement tool when orchards or vineyards harbor pests that threaten neighboring operations.
California’s nut industry has been particularly affected by the rise in neglected acreage. In parts of the San Joaquin Valley, thousands of acres of almond, walnut and pistachio orchards have been left idle or partially managed due to drought, water restrictions and market pressures. These blocks often serve as breeding grounds for pests such as navel orangeworm, rodents and weeds, which can spread to productive orchards nearby.
To protect due process, AB 732 requires counties to issue a notice before penalties are levied, directing landowners to UC Cooperative Extension resources and the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program for guidance. Landowners who demonstrate “good faith action” to correct the problem can avoid fines.
Supporters of the bill, including several county agricultural commissioners and farm groups, say the measure gives local officials a practical way to address pest and disease issues tied to abandoned acreage. The law also aims to protect neighboring growers who may otherwise bear the cost of increased pest pressure.
AB 732 will remain in effect until 2035, allowing a decade for counties to assess its impact. For nut growers, it represents both a safeguard and a signal, emphasizing that community-level management and cross-farm cooperation are essential for crop health and regional biosecurity.
As California agriculture adapts to ongoing water and economic challenges, policies like AB 732 underscore the importance of coordinated management to maintain the productivity and sustainability of the state’s orchards and vineyards.
