Like any industry, agriculture is subject to state regulations. The California Air Resources Board currently uses the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program as an incentive to convert diesel engines to cleaner technology. The program is voluntary, but mandatory diesel engine conversion will soon be in place and stationary engine regulations are already subject to stricter standards.

Other air quality regulations include burning restrictions and controls on dust particulate and methane generation. The Central Valley Regional Water Control Board enforces the Irrigated Land Regulatory Program, which requires farmers and ranchers to monitor water quality either individually or as part of a watershed coalition. Other programs exist for confined animal waste discharge and food processing waste discharge.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation regulates pesticide sales and use and requires regular reporting. These regulations add cost to a farmer's or rancher's budget and place some limitations on operations. These types of regulations, while based on sound public policy values, can be particularly challenging for small farms.