Spider mite pesticide efficacy database for almonds and walnuts

This database is derived from synthesized data of 19 different studies which assessed how pesticide type affects spider mite populations in almond and walnut systems, drawing on pesticides currently registered for use in California. These studies focused on looking at percent mortality over a period of time after the spray application. Most studies centered on almond orchards […]

Pastoreo de Ovejas en Viñedos de California

Cuando se maneja de manera responsable, el pastoreo de ovejas puede ser una herramienta poderosa en el viñedo para manejar la vegetación, reducir costos, disminuir el uso de fertilizantes sintéticos, herbicidas y otros insumos, y al mismo tiempo mejorar la salud del suelo y la biodiversidad. Incorporar ovejas en el viñedo requiere cambios en las […]

CAFF Sonoma County chapter 2026 annual meeting summary

Approximately 60 community members gathered at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts for the CAFF chapter’s Annual Meeting on January 14, 2026. See photos here. After a delightful potluck and an engagement activity soliciting input from farmers, we broke into five discussion groups led by representatives knowledgeable about key issues in our local farm and […]

Announcing Winners of the 6th Annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge

Small Farm Innovation Challenge

Competition Celebrates Tech Innovators Solving Real-World Challenges for Small-Scale Farmers The Small Farm Tech Hub at CAFF is proud to announce the winners of its 6th Annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge, a competition spotlighting the promising technology-based solutions designed to help small-scale agriculture compete, survive, and thrive. While agtech has attracted over $40 billion in […]

The State Must Act to Support California’s Local Food & Farms

Join Our Coalition Letter Family farmers, local food systems, and climate resilience efforts are facing a lot of uncertainty in this year’s state budget. Big federal cuts to local procurement programs, reductions to SNAP, and worsening climate disasters are putting real strain on the systems that small and mid-sized farmers depend on. These challenges and […]

Farmer-Led Technology: Innovations For The Small Farm

Onion Drying Rack 2023-24 Innovation Challenge Winner Rachel designed and built a large-scale vertical drying rack with built-in shelving, perfect for harvesting and curing onions, garlic, and more. Her design enhances the efficiency of crop drying processes. Problem solved: crops are harvested directly onto the drying rack, saving space and time Skills/tools needed: pallets, plywood […]

5th Small Farm Tech Expo: How Equitable Is Our Tech?

By Richard Santiago, Feb 2026 The Small Farm Tech Expo 2025 represents an important opportunity to examine how practical, appropriately scaled technologies are shaping the future of small – scale farms. As the event enters its fifth year at UC Merced, it continues to serve as a space for meaningful exchange among farmers, innovators, and […]

CAFF Statement on Escalating ICE Raids & Constitutional Violations

Community Alliance with Family Farmers condemns the disturbing overreach of federal immigration enforcement and the pattern of raids, intimidation, and constitutional violations playing out across the country. The use of racial profiling, masked agents, and force against civilians—often without clear cause or due process—undermines basic civil liberties, spreads fear, and has now led to multiple […]

How to Tell the Story of Your Farm: Lessons from Fruitqueen & Farmboy Organics

“How to Tell the Story of Your Farm” in-person workshop & panel discussion with Brian and Joyce of Fruitqueen and Eric and Andrew of Farmboy Organics. Facilitated by Judith Redmond (Full Belly Farm) and Gisele Herren (Vitis & Ovis Farm), and joined by David Visher (CAFF Board of Directors), Claire Tauber, Michelle Duong, and Lan […]

Final Newsom Budget Backs Food and Climate Goals, but Small Farmers Need More Support

Dulce Organic Farms – Photo by Lan Ngo Sacramento, CA -— Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom released his final annual state budget proposal. The state budget continues to invest in California’s agricultural sector, recognizing it as a foundational part of the state economy and food system. While we are pleased to see ongoing appropriation of […]

Celebrating Big Wins for Small Farms under Newsom Administration

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images file After yesterday’s final State of the State by Governor Newsom, we are reflecting on the small farm successes during the Newsom Administration. Here is a look at some wins for California farmers over the last several years: Groundbreaking Investments in Farm to School: Governor Newsom […]

Tera Farm: Helping Kids and Communities Learn Where Food Comes From

In 2020, as the pandemic disrupted daily life and food systems across California, Sheena did not plan on starting a nonprofit. What began as helping friends sell kale during a time of uncertainty slowly grew into what is now Tera Farm, a nonprofit rooted in connection, education, and supporting local farmers. Tera Farm was created […]

Family farmers reflect on tough 2025, set hopeful eyes on 2026

Don’t take our word for it. Listen to farmers, educators & leaders from the CAFF community.   From every corner of California, they’re working with us to restore soil, conserve water, feed communities, and fight to keep family-scale farming alive.   If you believe in a food system that’s sustainable, resilient, and just, we invite […]

2025 CAFF VIP Tour event summary

On Friday, October 25th, more than 20 Sonoma County staff and decision-makers came together at Deep Roots Farm in Penngrove to learn about authentic agritourism from a panel of local producers, educators, and agritourism leaders. The panelists provide on-farm visitor services from playgrounds for families to workshops for researchers. Panelists and attendees discussed the benefits […]

Costs and Benefits of Mating Disruption

A navel orangeworm larvae in a walnut shell.

Mating disruption is a selective, low-risk alternative for controlling codling moth and navel orangeworm. This study covers the costs and benefits of using mating disruption as a tool in walnut orchards.

Video: Monitoring for Webspinning Spider Mites

A close-up of holding a hands lens up to a walnut leaflet.

Learn how to monitor for webspinning spider mites and protect your walnut orchard from damage using Integrated Pest Management guidelines. Watch the video below or on CAFF’s YouTube channel. Video developed by: Miguel Alvarez, Ecological Pest Management Contractor, CAFF. Filming, editing, and post-production by: Sofia Daniels, Rhizo Media, http://www.rhizo-media.com. Special thanks to: Sierra Orchards for […]

Managing irrigation in your orchard: Water, Phytophthora, IPM, and SGMA

Attendees gather in a circle as the host farmer introduces the farm and its history.

On June 4th, 2025, CAFF hosted a field day at the Colombini Ranch in Linden, CA. The event was centered around the topic of orchard irrigation, phytophthora management, SGMA, and spider mite management. The ranch sits along the Calaveras River, and has been owned and managed by the Colombinis since 1990. In 1999, Jay Colombini […]

Webinar: Augmentative Biocontrol Modes of Release and Types of Supportive Habitat

Augmentative releases of natural enemies can provide effective control of many pests. In this webinar recording, CAFF’s Ecological Pest Management Senior Manager, Hanna Kahl, explains how to ensure successful natural enemy releases by providing habitat, ensuring quality insects, using selective pesticides, and optimizing release methods. Watch the webinar below or at http://www.wildfarmalliance.org, where you can […]

Managing Pests with Predator & Parasitoid Habitat

A collage of four photos: an aphid wasp parasitizing an aphid, a lacewing larvae eating mites, a syrphid fly, and close-up of coyote bush flowers.

This guide created by Wild Farm Alliance, shows how habitat can help attract natural enemies and manage pests. CAFF co-authored the “Walnut Pests: Natural Enemies & Their Habitat” section which covers specific plants that enhance natural enemies in walnut orchards. You can view the guide on http://www.wildfarmalliance.org. Download the guide here

Codling moth mating disruption: Best practices guide

A brownish-gray moth sitting on an apple.

This guide covers the basics of pheromone mating disruption for managing codling moth, a pest of multiple tree fruit and nut crops. Explore the guide and the linked database for information about the commercially available mating disruption products for codling moth.

Miticide non-target effects on predatory mites in walnuts

Click here to view the database This database compares pesticides currently registered in California for use to control web-spinning spider mites in walnuts based on their effects on Phytoseiids, which are the most common family of predatory mites that provide biological control of pest mites.This database is based on the paper, “Meta-analysis and review of […]

Amid disastrous federal cuts, small farms make progress in California Legislature 

By: CAFF Policy Team  Every year, the California legislative process brings its ups and downs, but this year has felt especially hard as a result of the crushing decisions made by the Trump Administration, putting additional pressure on state-level decisions; federal funding cuts, the firing of seasoned government employees, and threats to our immigrant communities […]

Farmer Spotlight: Sweet Girl Farms

If you’ve ever driven through Reedley, chances are you’ve seen the vibrant blooms and colorful produce stand that belongs to Sweet Girl Farms. Behind it all is Liset Garcia, a farmer who blends her cultural roots, creativity, and passion for community into everything she grows. Liset didn’t originally set out to become a farmer. In […]

Understanding Yolo County’s New Well Moratorium

UPDATED NOV 12TH, 2025: On October 7, 2025, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors voted to extend the agricultural well moratorium in the Focus Area for up to 10 months and 15 days, which leaves it in place until August 2026.  This extra time allows county staff to review groundwater conditions, land use conversions, and […]

Join us the Terra Madre festival in Sacramento Sept 25-28

Later this month, good food system champions from across the globe will gather in Sacramento as part of the inaugural Terra Madres Americas summit. Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) will participate in the FREE festivities — and we hope you will join us!  Friday through Sunday (Sept 26th – 28th) we’ll co-host a farmers […]

Sharing Tools for Success: Small Organic Farmer Marketing Toolkit Workshop in Riverside

On the evening of Wednesday, July 16 at 4:00 PM, approximately 55 participants gathered in a classroom space at the beautiful campus of the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District, just West of downtown Riverside.  The focus of the event was to present the Small Organic Farmer Marketing Toolkit, a relatively new resource developed by the California […]

Rooted in Community: Tina Marie Brings Farming Back to the City

When you visit Soulful Soil Farms in the Inland Empire, you can immediately feel the history, healing, and community that Tina Marie has planted in every garden bed. Based in Southern California, Tina’s work shows how farming can thrive even in urban spaces. For her, urban farming is not only about growing food. It is […]

Join the #ImmigrantsMakeAgricultureGreat Video Campaign

This Labor Day, let’s celebrate the essential role of immigrants in agriculture—not only as workers, but as neighbors, leaders, and vital members of our farming communities. From planting seeds to building businesses, immigrants nourish both our fields and our communities. We’re inviting farmers, agricultural advocates, food lovers, and community members to join this participatory video […]

California Must Lead—Call Today to Protect Climate & Farmers

With the federal government slashing sustainable agriculture funding and reversing hard-won progress, California’s climate leadership is on the line. Two critical opportunities are in play right now—but without a wave of public pressure, they could slip away. We need your voice to make sure our California legislature delivers for farmers, frontline communities, and our climate. Your call today could make the difference.

July Farmer Spotlight: Angelica Estrada of Sweet Valley Produce

In the heart of the Central Valley, Angelica Estrada is carving out space for something different. Something rooted in legacy, resilience, and reinvention. As the founder of Sweet Valley Produce in Merced, Angelica is growing more than just sweet potatoes. She’s nurturing a community-focused vision that uplifts local farmers, reduces food waste, and makes fresh, […]

Know Your Water, Know Your Use

On a sunny and cool June afternoon, an eager group of 40+ people made up of local Sonoma County farmers and local agricultural organization representatives gathered at an orchard site for the workshop “From Ground to Field: Know Your Water, Know Your Use.” Hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) in partnership with […]

The Legacy of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Walnuts: Part 2

In this episode we continue the conversation on the impact of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Linden, California. You’ll hear from the father and son duos of Colombini Ranch and Chinchiolo Farming Company about the impact BIOS had on the different generations of their farm, and why they continue to follow BIOS practices like […]

Sacramento-area food systems weather big cuts in federal funding

In Yolo County, families and individuals experiencing food insecurity can show up at one of Yolo Food Bank’s roughly 60 monthly distributions at 21 locations to receive fresh produce, dairy, meat, bread and nonperishable items nearly every day of the year.

CAFF Strongly Opposes Reckless Budget Bill That Threatens Farmers, Families & Our Food System

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), in solidarity with our partners at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), stands in firm opposition to the partisan budget reconciliation bill in Congress. This so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is a reckless piece of legislation that threatens to dismantle critical support systems for both farmers and vulnerable families, while […]

The Legacy of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Walnuts: Part 1

The Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project has brought together growers, scientists, farm advisors, and pest control advisors with the goal of implementing farm practices to reduce dependence on chemical inputs.  In this episode we head down to the Northern San Joaquin region to interview early BIOS collaborating growers, Chris and Christy Locke, and PCA, […]

Sweet Roots Kitchen Opens in Merced: A New Hub for Local Farmers and Food Entrepreneurs

On Friday, June 6th at 12:30 PM, the Merced community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Sweet Roots Kitchen, a brand-new commercial kitchen created by Sweet Valley Produce, a local business owned by Angelica Estrada. This transformative space is designed to support local food producers and entrepreneurs, with a focus on uplifting small-scale farmers […]

CAFF Stand’s with California’s Immigrant Community

CAFF is heartbroken by escalating ICE raids across California targeting our farms, homes, schools, community centers, and places of work. These tactics, growing more militarized by the day, are tearing at the fabric of California and threatening our national food system by sowing fear, anger, and confusion within agricultural communities. CAFF stands in firm opposition […]

Reflect. Empower. Unite. – A Pride Month Spotlight on Solarpunk Farms

This Pride Month, CAFF is honored to spotlight Solar Punk Farms, a queer-led climate hub nestled in Sonoma County. Founded by a pair of husbands, Nick Schwanz and Spencer Scott who began their journey in climate work—but not yet on the land—Solar Punk Farms is more than a regenerative farm. It’s a living, joyful rejection […]

Together, We Can Empower Thriving Local Food Systems

CAFF remains unwavering in our core values—because we trust that the advocates who work alongside us will do the same. Now, we are asking you to take action. Will you make a gift today and join us in this vital work?

On-Farm Recordkeeping: Technologies & Strategies

Learn the benefits of keeping good records on your farm and how to level-up your recordkeeping practices!
Record keeping is beneficial for three major compliance areas: FSMA compliance, organic certification, and GAP audits.

Governor’s May Revise Falls Short for California’s Farming Communities

Last week, Governor Newsom released his May Revision for FY 25-26; the Legislature now has until June 15 to negotiate and pass a final budget bill for his approval. While the Governor’s May Revision proposal maintains the Proposition 4/Climate Bond funding, including critical food and agriculture investments, it fails to center California’s most vulnerable communities in the state’s budget priorities.

New grower guide, Cover Cropping in California’s Water Scarce Environments, now available!

CAFF is excited to release a new grower guide, Cover Cropping in California’s Water Scarce Environments. Created by CAFF’s Ecological Farming team and Sustainable Conservation with contributions from UC ANR, NRCS and other partners, this guide outlines practical management considerations with water scarcity in mind. Grounded by grower feedback and current research, this guide delves […]

Urban agriculture grows in the Sacramento region

On a busy corner in West Sacramento, surrounded by high-density housing and railroad tracks, sits a 1-half acre oasis of soil and green shoots. A group of young people tend to organized rows of freshly planted carrots, squash and edible flowers that are neatly lined with mulch.

Sonoma County – Know Your Groundwater

So far the rains have been good, but regional groundwater levels are still in decline. Are you and your farm ready to weather that and the current SGMA regulations (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) unfolding in your area? Some basics to start with: Do you know your designated Basin? Do you know your Groundwater Sustainability Fee? […]

Support AB 524 (Farmland Access & Conservation for Thriving Communities)

Show your support for land access! Sign CAFF’s letter of support to help pass this bill. (The deadline for signing is April 22nd.) Click Here to Sign To date, there is no state-level program dedicated to providing financial or technical resources to support farmers with land tenure. AB 524 is a bold step to fill […]

Small Farmers Lead the Way in Innovation: 5th Annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge Winners Announced

Proving that innovation thrives on a small scale, the winners of the 5th Annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge have introduced groundbreaking solutions to address critical challenges in small-scale agriculture. Hosted by the nonprofit Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), this competition invites innovators from around the world to submit their creative technologies, from hardware to […]

CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program

Please join us in celebrating these 10 farms who will create more opportunities for urban agriculture communities to connect, increase access to resources and knowledge, and build strong networks!

What’s Next for Farms Together and Local Food for Hungry Families?

March started off as a rollercoaster ride when news broke that Farms Together—our program delivering food sourced from local farmers to food insecure communities across California—had been paused indefinitely. Seven days later, after many farmers raised alarm bells across California and the U.S., the program was restored. Despite the significant victory, the program’s future remains uncertain.

The Legacy of Black Farmers: Overcoming Challenges & Cultivating Community

Agriculture has long been a foundation of Black history in America, yet Black farmers continue to face significant challenges in accessing land, resources, and financial support. Despite these obstacles, their resilience, passion, and strong sense of community have allowed them to thrive and inspire future generations. Two Black farmers in California, Jacque Phillips and Donald […]

Kit de herramientas de marketing orgánico para agricultores de pequeña escala

¿Quiere hacer crecer su negocio orgánico y conectarse con más clientes? El kit de herramientas de marketing para productores orgánicos de California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)  es su recurso de referencia para destacarse en el mercado orgánico competitivo. Diseñado específicamente para agricultores  y productores orgánicos, este recurso integral proporciona todo lo que necesita para promover […]

Las similitudes y las diferencias entre el Programa Orgánico Nacional (NOP), le Ley de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA) y las Auditorías de Seguridad Alimentaria de Tercer Partido (3rd Party food safety audits)

Esta guía actualizada presenta las similitudes y las diferencias entre el Programa Orgánico Nacional (NOP), le Ley de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA) y las Auditorías de Seguridad Alimentaria de Tercer Partido (3rd Party food safety audits). Esta guía sirve como un repaso y siempre debe consultar directamente con su agencia de Orgánica y/o […]

2025 NOP/FSMA/3rd Party Audit Food Safety Guide (Updated)

This updated guide for 2025 provides charts that give a side-by-side comparison of the similarities and differences between the requirements of the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act, and 3rd Party Food Safety Audits. This guide is meant to serve as an overview and you need to check with each program for more in-depth […]

Organic Small Farmer Marketing Toolkit

Para español: Kit de herramientas de marketing orgánico para agricultores de pequeña escala Looking to grow your organic business and connect with more customers? The Organic Producer Marketing Toolkit from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is your go-to resource for standing out in the competitive organic market. Designed specifically for organic farmers and producers, this […]

How LA fires impact farmers and agriculture industry

While raging flames, persistent smoke and damaging winds continue to plague residents in Los Angeles County, farmers across Southern California are also facing the possibility of devastating damage to their crops.

State’s Proposed Budget and Climate Bond Commitments Support Programs for Family Farms

Sacramento, CA — Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2025-26 state budget proposal, which demonstrates the important opportunities made possible by the recently passed Proposition 4 Climate Bond. This budget comes amidst wildfires raging in Southern California, impacting so many Californians including many urban farmers, farmers markets, community gardens and farms. It points directly […]

Base de datos de agencias certificadas orgánicas

Este base de datos de CAFF contiene información que le ayudará a seleccionar un certificador orgánico de “tamaño adecuado” que satisfará las necesidades de su granja. Descargue el base de datos de agencias certificadas orgánicas aquí.

4th Annual Small Farm Tech Expo: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers with Innovation

https://youtu.be/JEf-vvTN0NM  The Small Farm Tech Expo once again delivered an engaging and transformative event, bringing together innovators, researchers, and farmers to explore technology solutions tailored specifically for small-scale farming. Event Highlights Exhibition Hall The heart of the expo was the exhibition hall, where attendees explored groundbreaking technology and solutions designed to address the challenges faced […]

Financial Assistance Available for Food Safety Certification

A new program through USDA’s Farm Service Agency is providing reimbursement for on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2024 and/or 2025. How does it work? In 2024 and 2025, the program will cover a percentage of a farm’s cost of obtaining or renewing their certification, as […]

Introducing the 2025 California Farm Champions!

Every year, our community honors individuals, farms, and businesses who are making a positive difference in California. Selected from nominations from all over the state, these inspirational change-makers are blazing trails for regenerative agriculture, strengthening our local food systems, and working tirelessly to grow a healthier and more just future for us all. We’re thrilled […]

Family Farmer Emergency Fund to Offer Climate Extremes Relief in 2025

After another year of providing drought relief grants to small farmers across California, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new financial relief program for farmers impacted by climate extremes, which will open for applications in spring of 2025. The California Family Farmer Emergency Fund provides direct financial relief for farmers who face […]

Guía del Agricultor para los Precios al por Mayor de Productos Orgánicos

La Guía del Agricultor para los Precios al por Mayor Orgánicos se creó en respuesta a la pregunta: “¿Cuánto podré cobrar por mis cultivos orgánicos en los mercados al por mayor?” No hay una respuesta simple a esta pregunta porque los precios varean en función de muchos factores, como la región, la época del año, […]

Meet the 2026 California Farm Champions

From farmers to food system advocates, the California Farm Champion Awards honor everyday heroes and movement leaders forging a stronger local food economy. These champions are advancing food justice, empowering a new generation of agrarians, and shaping a more resilient future for California agriculture. Chosen from hundreds of nominations across the state, each honoree reflects […]

Meet CAFF’s new Groundwater Community Engagement Team

To support our outreach to family farmers about changes in California’s groundwater, CAFF is excited to be working with seven Groundwater Community Engagement Contractors around the state. Each contractor has deep ties to the communities in which they work, many as small-scale farmers themselves. This is part of a state-wide effort to support farmer outreach […]

Farmer’s Guide to Organic Wholesale Pricing

The Farmer’s Guide to Organic Wholesale Pricing was created in response to the question, “How much will I be able to charge for my organic crops in wholesale markets?” There is no simple answer to this question because pricing fluctuates based on many factors including regionality, time of year, volume of product, and perceived value. […]

FARM: Sonoma County farmers celebrate Measure J defeat

The election last week of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president and of new congressional leaders may bring sweeping—and, as yet, undetermined—changes to the nation’s agricultural landscape. But for farmers in Sonoma County, a down-ballot result has provided resounding clarity.