AB 2646 Raises Costs on California Citrus Growers Facing Global Competition

“We are disappointed by the Governor’s decision to sign AB 2646. California citrus growers depend on a skilled agricultural workforce, but this law imposes another significant labor cost at a time when growers are already confronting rising costs across nearly every part of their operations,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs, Jacob Villagomez.

“California growers compete in a global marketplace. Every additional cost makes it harder to keep producing fresh citrus here in California, supporting farm jobs and sustaining the rural communities that depend on agriculture.”

“With AB 2646 now law, we will work with the Administration and our agricultural partners to seek clear, workable implementation while continuing to advocate for policies that keep California agriculture competitive.”

AB 2646 establishes a minimum hourly wage of at least $19.75 for certain temporary and seasonal agricultural workers hired from outside California, including H-2A workers, and for California employees performing the same or substantially similar work for the same employer in the same county. The law will take effect January 1, 2027.