Archive for April 2020
23 Organizations Eliminating Food Waste During COVID-19
ECOWATCH – To eliminate the food surplus in California’s food system, CAFF works with farmers to redirect their food supply away from their usual commercial customers and into the hands of consumers. Additionally, CAFF created a spreadsheet designed to connect the state’s food
Governor: Expansion of Farm to Family Program
Governor Newsom Announces Expansion of Farm to Family Program and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity. The Governor unveiled $3.64 million in new funding to expand the state’s Farm to Family program, including $2.86 million from the USDA and $775,000
Farm Tough First Aid Kit
Most standard first aid kits you can buy do not come with supplies that are tough enough to withstand farming activities. CAFF created this Farm Tough First Aid Kit resource that guides you through curating a first aid kit that
Farmers, Speak Up: Do Better USDA!
Social Media Samples, Hashtags, and Handles The most effective thing you can do is share your own story in your own voice – with photos. Most importantly – speak up about the impacts you are seeing, the market losses you
Don’t Let the USDA Leave You Out
ACTION ALERT! As farmers and ranchers across the country are feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is preparing to distribute $16 billion in direct aid to producers who have experienced financial losses.Applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will
Organic farmers fill national food system holes revealed by COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has shrunk the farm-to-table restaurant channel as waiting lists build for CSAs; meanwhile, farmers markets tiptoe into the season, forcing organic farmers to pivot across markets. Here’s how several are meeting these new demands.
New Funding: Soil Health Management in Orchards
Financial & technical assistance available through participating in On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials with the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District! View below or download the application here.
New CDC Resource on Facemasks in Agriculture
Today (4/24/20) CDC released a new webpage providing information on facemasks, face coverings, and respirator use in agriculture. The article explains what type of face covering can be worn effectively in what farming situation.
Updated CDC Guidance on Critical Workers
Updated 4/24/20 – To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them
How Covid-19 Is Transforming Our Food System
KPFA – Within just a few short months, the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed just about every facet of our society. That includes our food system, where the multiple impacts of the crisis are impossible to ignore. It’s changed how we
Take Your Local Food Online (Webinar)
Take Your Local Food Online provided practical information and tips from farmers using online sales platforms. Platforms covered in this video include: Woo Commerce — Kat Becker, Cattail Farms Graze Cart — Remi Keaston, David’s Pasture Shopify — Cherie Shenker,
Farmers Now Eligible for Federal Funds
This week the Senate passed the latest aid package, which is now on its way to the House for a likely vote and the President has indicated he will sign it. This means that the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) as
$3 billion Available to Food Hubs Distributors to Feed Those in Need
Local and regional distributors funded to procure and provide boxes of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks and other non-profits serving Americans in need.
Financial Resources from CA FarmLink
CA FarmLink connects farmers and ranchers with financing, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, forgivable if used for payroll and other eligible expenses.
New Guidance for Operating Certified Farmers’ Markets During COVID-19
Updated 4/21 by the CDFA: This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will update this guidance as needed and as
CAFF Participating in Survey of Farm Workers During COVID-19
Farmworkers are considered essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis and continue to work on California farms and ranches. In order to ensure that these workers’ voices are shaping responses to COVID-19, a broad coalition of researchers and farmworker advocates are
COVID Update: CA Dept. of Food & Ag
Governor Newsom Action on Unemployment Benefits, Including Undocumented Immigrants On April 15, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-50-20 to support California workers impacted by the Coronavirus, including financial aid to undocumented immigrants. The state also issued a Guide for Immigrant Californians. Employee Health Resources
COVID-19 USDA Farm Stimulus Packages
On Friday, the White House announced that it will direct $19 billion in funds to aid farmers and ranchers during the coronavirus crisis. CAFF and our allies in D.C. are currently awaiting more details in order to explain exactly what
USDA Announces Coronavirus Food & Farm Assistance Program
(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to
Webinar: Farmers Markets during COVID
Webinar recording from the California Association of Farmers Markets covering best practices, tips, presentations from managers from across the state and more.
State Water Board Allows for Easier On-Farm Composting
A recent decision by the State Water Resources Control Board will allow for composting on California farms. After more than five years of negotiations, the State Water Board has adopted an amendment to the General Waste Discharge Order which allows for easy
New Legislation, Crucial Support to Family Farmers & Ranchers
On April 13, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced landmark legislation to provide debt relief to small farmers across the country. The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act issues one-time debt relief of up to $250,000 for all farms with under $300,000 in gross income who
Sonoma County Farm Trails
We connect the public to Sonoma County farmers, ranchers, producers, and purveyors to ensure the economic viability of local agriculture and instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of our community.
Emergency fund launched to support CA family farmers impacted By COVID-19
WINTERS EXPRESS – Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of COVID-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new fund today to support those farmers most impacted by the virus and the resulting economic
Direct Sales Software Platforms
This publication highlights product options and sales models that farmers may find helpful. While markets, restaurants, and other food distribution channels close or reduce operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, farms across the country have expressed interest in using
Urge Congress to help get Covid-19 money out the door to farmers
ACTION ALERT! The U.S. Department of Agriculture is weighing how to spend $9.5 billion in relief for farmers, ranchers and local food systems, already allocated by Congress under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Many California family
CA announces $125 million fund for undocumented immigrants impacted by coronavirus
California’s $75 million Disaster Relief Fund will support undocumented Californians impacted by COVID-19 who are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits and disaster relief, including the CARES Act, due to their immigration status. Approximately 150,000 undocumented adult Californians will receive a one-time cash benefit of $500
State Water Resources Control Board Limits Regulation of On-Farm Composting
(Updated 4/15/20) The State Water Resources Control Board’s Compost General Order that passed in 2015 presented a regulatory obstacle for on-farm composting, despite the state’s efforts to reduce waste and provide for more ecological farming practices. The Order limited farmers
Emergency fund to help Calif farmers
AG CLIPS – Effort to support farmers most impacted by COVID-19, economic turmoil. Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new fund to support those farmers
San Diego ag all the rage in coronavirus age
ESCONDIDO GRAPEVINE – During a webinar last week aimed at helping farmers find solutions to market instability created by the pandemic, Evan Wiig of the Community Alliance with Family Farmers in Davis encouraged small farms to work together and aggregate
Growing Pains
COMSTOCK — Local farmers work hard to respond and adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. As the coronavirus pandemic has upended the U.S. economy, farmers are trying to figure out how to survive, which is especially critical in California where most
On-Farm Food Safety Webinar
On 4/8/20 CAFF gave a webinar answering dozens of questions on on-farm food safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judith Redmond from Full Belly Farm shared some tips and other info on how their farm is adapting during this challenging
Fondo de emergencia lanzado para apoyar Agricultores familiares de California afectados por Covid-19
Davis, CA – Debido a los desafíos apremiantes que enfrentan los agricultores de California como resultado de Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) está lanzando un nuevo fondo hoy para apoyar a los agricultores más afectados por el virus
CAFF Policy Update: COVID-19
Updated 4/10/20 (we will continue to update this document as new developments unfold and as new information is released) CARES Federal programs In the face of our public health crisis due to the coronavirus, Congress passed a stimulus package on
Emergency Fund Supports CA Family Farmers Impacted By Covid-19
Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new fund today to support those farmers most impacted by the virus and the resulting economic turmoil. California farmers
The Farm-to-Table Connection Comes Undone
A direct pipeline to chefs that took decades to build has been cut off by the coronavirus, leaving small farmers and ranchers with food they can’t sell.
‘A disastrous situation’: mountains of food wasted as coronavirus scrambles supply chain
Farmers are seeing produce rot in fields and dairy wash down drains as they rush to find areas of demand and prevent closures. Billions of dollars worth of food is going to waste as growers and producers from California to
USDA: Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents & Businesses Affected by COVID-19
(Updated April 8, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions
La Plataforma de Compradores y Vendedores COVID-19 de CAFF
Hola campesinos y compradores, En respuesta a las interrupciones en nuestro suministro y demanda de alimentos locales debido a COVID-19, CAFF está creando una lista de productores y compradores, para ayudar a llenar los vacíos en el mercado que está
New CAFF Resource: How to Run CSA Pick Up Sites during COVID-19
CAFF has created a new resource for farmers that have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick up locations. The guide has tips for farmers and a sign that farmers could post at pick up locations and/or share electronically with CSA members.
New CAFF Resource: How to Prepare for Farm Labor Shortages
CAFF has created a new resource to help farmers prepare for possible labor shortages due to COVID-19. The first page of this resource is a flowchart that helps farmers determine the readiness of their operation. The second page is a
With food service down, farms look for new markets
AG ALERT – Loss of business due to mass closures of restaurants, schools and corporate cafeterias in response to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders has small farms looking to collaborate as they try to adapt to the crisis by finding new markets
California Okays On-Farm Compost, Key to Sustainable Agriculture
Sacramento, CA – After more than five years of negotiations, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a historic decision to allow for much-needed composting on California farms. “Farmers can now compost more, build healthy soils, and reduce and mitigate
USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources
Actions Taken by USDA Rural Development to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Podcast: Farm Sales through Online Platforms & CSA
In this episode, we discuss the legal mechanics of online sales platforms and CSA agreements as part of special coverage on COVID-19’s effects on farm businesses with Sarah Vaile, Farm Commons’ Staff Attorney.
Navigating Disaster Assistance for Farmers
Assistance from federal programs can make a world of difference for farmers after a disaster. The next few pages outline current disaster programs, all of which are available to farmers.
On-Farm COVID-19 Food Safety Info & FAQs
By: Kali Feiereisel, MPH Senior Manager, Farmer Services Last updated: April 7th, 2020 We realize this is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Hopefully this blog post can provide some tangible information to help answer some of your
COVID-19 Infection Prevention for Ag Employers & Employees
Updated April 5: California employers are required to establish and implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to protect employees from all worksite hazards, including infectious diseases. This guidance contains information, recommendations, and requirements for agricultural employers on how
Podcast: The Families First Act
In this episode, we explore the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family Medical Leave Act, together known as the Families First Act. We unpack each act’s paid sick leave provisions, when they apply, and for how long.
Employee Safety During COVID-19
Update 4/5/20 – CAL OSHA released this guidance document for agricultural employers to follow to protect workers from COVID-19.
Farmers’ Markets Are Crisis Lifelines to U.S. Growers and Shoppers
The coronavirus pandemic forces small farmers to rely on the internet and consumers to make up for lost restaurant sales.
New Health Order Regulations & Signage
IMPORTANT: Several CA counties have amended their Heath Orders and now require Essential Businesses (farms, farmers markets, etc.) to limit the number of people in the facility at any one time, require distancing in lines, and provide multiple sanitizing measures.
Donating farm products to food banks, webinar
Wednesday, April 8 from 10-11 a.m. CDFA partners with CA Association of Food Banks to provide resources and information to farmers, ranchers and food processors.
Local Food Producer Aide Implementation Letter
Letter to Secretary of Agriculture Perdue requesting relief for farmers and ranchers suffering market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Has your representative signed? If not, tell them to sign today!
The Local Food Revolution Goes Online—for Now
To survive uncertain times, small farms are pivoting to serve their local communities and compete with big box grocers online.
Direct Marketing in CA: Rules & Regs
Learn the various laws and regulations that govern direct marketing in California, including CSAs, farmers markets and farm stands.
Employee Paid Leave Rights
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers
Coronavirus Agricultural Worksite Checklist
Maintain a Healthy Workforce. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Individuals infected with COVID-19 and those exhibiting any of these symptoms should not work. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person contact and is