AB 2646: Agricultural Labor Costs AB 2646 would establish a $ 19.75-per-hour minimum wage for certain temporary or seasonal agricultural employees from outside California who are hired through an approved employment process, as well as for California employees performing the same or substantially similar work for the same employer in the same county. Beginning on January 1, 2027, that wage would be adjusted annually based on the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. For agricultural employers, the potential impact extends beyond a single wage rate. Labor is already one of the largest costs associated with producing, harvesting, processing, and moving California agricultural products, and changes in one category of agricultural wages can affect the broader labor market. AB 2646 passed both houses of the Legislature and was presented to the governor on August 31. The Almond Alliance has joined a broader agricultural coalition in raising concerns about the measure’s potential impact on labor costs and agricultural employers. Looking Toward November While the legislative session may be over, the policy conversation is not. California voters will go to the polls on November 3 to elect a governor, all 80 members of the State Assembly, and members in 20 State Senate districts, along with other state and federal offices. That means Sacramento will look different when the Legislature reconvenes. There are many unknowns that come with that kind of transition, but there are also opportunities. A new governor and newly elected legislators mean new relationships can be established and new conversations can begin. Agriculture has an opportunity to introduce itself to policymakers who may have limited experience with production agriculture and to help them understand the economic, environmental and operational realities of
producing food in California. But relationships do not establish themselves. We must participate. That means staying engaged with trade organizations like the Almond Alliance and sharing your perspective when issues arise. It also means building relationships with policymakers and candidates and, for those who choose to participate, supporting political action committees that help strengthen agriculture’s voice in the policy process. For the almond industry, there is an additional opportunity to lead. We have the scale and economic significance to be an important voice in conversations about the future of California agriculture. More importantly, we have a story worth telling. The almond industry has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate, collaborate, invest in research, adopt new technologies and improve production practices. Those qualities position us well to not simply respond to policy, but to help policymakers better understand what practical, effective policy looks like. November will bring change. With change comes uncertainty, but it also creates an opening for new relationships, new ideas and a stronger understanding of California agriculture. Our job is to make sure the almond industry is part of those conversations.
Alexi Rodriguez, President & CEO, Almond Alliance
25
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2026
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