… The state Legislature came to a (partial) rescue in 2011 by passing SB 618, which cut the cancellation fee in half for farmers who want to transition to solar. To qualify for the break, however, applicants must prove that the soil on their land can no longer sustain farming. That program has not been a rousing success; over its first nine years, only three applicants pursued solar easements under SB 618, according to the state Department of Conservation. Now, another bill, AB 1156, would expand eligibility to include land that can no longer be farmed due to water shortages. … It’s hard to see any downside to this legislation. If land isn’t fit for farming and is too remote or otherwise unsuitable for much-needed housing development, using it to boost California’s clean energy production makes sense.

Other agricultural water use news:

• The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.): Opinion: Want food security? Keep water on Western farms 
• UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Blog: Regenerative agriculture community charts way forward​