Sacramento, CA -— Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2023-24 budget bill. The Community Alliance with Family Farmers supports the final state budget agreement and is pleased to see the Legislature and Governor affirm their commitment to essential infrastructure programs for California’s smallest and most vulnerable farmers. Most importantly, the 23-24 budget includes several financial relief opportunities for farmers who experienced devastation by the recent winter storms. Even in a budget-stressed year these commitments are still essential. We hope to see equally or stronger commitments to California’s underserved family farmers in future years.
“We are extremely pleased to see the Legislature and Newsom Administration reaffirm their commitment to programs that prioritize and center California’s smallest and most vulnerable farmers. While newer to CDFA, programs like Farm to Community Food Hub and Urban Agriculture are central to the agency’s commitments to equity and we are pleased to see these programs maintain their funding to serve California’s small and diverse family farms. We look forward to engaging the CDFA to ensure these programs are successfully implemented.”– Jamie Fanous, Policy Director
“California’s family-scale farmers are on the front lines of climate change; climate-exacerbated natural disasters like drought, wildfires and more recently winter storms and flooding threaten the viability of these small businesses and land stewards. Budget investments and leadership by Governor Newsom and the Legislature will provide much-needed financial assistance and help farmers get back on their feet to grow more food for our communities.”
– Paul Towers, Executive Director
