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Winners of the 2022 Small Farm Innovation Challenge
With community-scaled ingenuity at heart, the winners of this year’s Small Farm Innovation Challenge offer solutions for local agriculture. In its second year, the Challenge sought submissions from around the world for innovations that can help solve the unique challenges facing small
Member Spotlight: Alchemist Farm
Happy 2022! This year we want to start strong by highlighting the amazing farmers that are essential to the work we do at CAFF. This month, we want to introduce you to Franchesca and Ryan Duval owners of Alchemist Farm. When asked,
Drought-threatened Family Farmers React to Governor’s Proposed Budget
Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released a record-breaking state budget proposal that includes significant investments to address climate change, support sustainable agriculture, and expand access to healthy school food. Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget does not yet articulate how to deliver
Locally-Grown Food Won’t Get Stuck in the Suez Canal
In March of this year, an Empire State Building-sized cargo ship infamously lodged itself in the Suez Canal. But while the world watched as engineers scrambled to remove this gargantuan threat to a multi-billion dollar supply chain, CAFF was back
Why Do Farmers Join CAFF?
Hi there, Maybe you’re a farmers market regular committed to ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, local food. Or a climate change activist who knows that rich, thriving, carbon-sequestering soil is vital to the survival of our species.
BIOS Field day River Garden Farms
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted our second Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) field day at River Garden Farms on November 30th, 2021 titled “Cover Cropping, Sanitation and Mating Disruption in Walnuts.” People came from all over Northern
No-Till News: An Update on CAFF’s Biointensive No-Till Project
Since 2017, CAFF’s Ecological Farming team has been conducting an on-farm demonstration project in collaboration with California no-till farmers to better understand small-scale biointensive no-till farming’s effect on soil health. Biointensive no-till farming systems endeavor to maximize on-farm biodiversity, minimize
Food Safety Plan Templates in Spanish
CAFF’s free food safety plan templates for small farmers are now available in Spanish. The templates can be used by farmers that need to be in compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and those looking to implement
Plantillas de Planes de Inocuidad Alimentaria en Español
Las plantillas gratuitas del plan de seguridad alimentaria de CAFF para pequeños agricultores ya están disponibles en español. Las plantillas pueden ser utilizadas por los agricultores que necesitan cumplir con la Ley federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA)
Technical Assistance for the Healthy Soils Program!
Are you interested in implementing cover crops, compost, mulch, hedgerows and other Healthy Soils practices on your farm? The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering 3 year grants to farmers to implement Healthy Soils Practices and we
The California School District Produce Procurement Guide
A resource developed by Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and Community Health Improvement Partner’s (CHIP) Farm to Institution Center. Use controls at the bottom to flip pages, enter full screen, and more.
Reflections on USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0
Applications for the USDA’s CFAP-2 (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0) closed last week on October 12th. CFAP-2 was the second round of federal funding for farmers who faced losses during the pandemic. A departure from the first iteration that focused
Farmers: Need Help Covering Your Covid-19 Business Costs?
(Español abajo) Looking for a way to cover costs — particularly those driven by market changes — incurred during the pandemic? The new Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program may be a good fit for you. The U.S. Department
NOP/FSMA/3rd Party Audit Food Safety Guide
This guide 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. For example, if you’re wondering what each program
CAFF Survey: 2021
CAFF’S ANNUAL SURVEY DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15! Your voice matters! Please take a few moments (no more than 5-8 minutes) to complete CAFF’s annual survey. The feedback you provide here helps to guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and
Gov. Signs Historic Budget: Success for Family Farmers in the Capitol!
Today, Governor Newsom signed a $15 billion climate budget package passed earlier this month by the California State Legislature, the largest in California’s history aimed at investing in the needs of California’s communities. These investments range from broadband infrastructure, to
New Competition Seeks Innovations for Small Farms
While farm tech may conjure images of GPS-driven tractors, robot harvesters, and biotechnology, a new competition in California is calling on innovators to refocus their attention away from scaling up Industrial Ag and towards empowering small farms. Now in its
CAFF kicks off BIOS program with event promoting sustainable nut orchards
The first Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) event on “Impacts of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Walnuts” was held in Linden at the Anderson-Barngrover Ranch on Friday August 27th. Around 30 people joined in on celebrating and learning from
Family Farmer Emergency Fund Provides Drought & Pandemic Relief
Davis, CA – With many small farms still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and deepening impacts felt from the drought, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is relaunching its California Family Farmer Emergency Fund for farmers in crisis. The current
Debt Relief for Farmers of Color & White Allies
A few weeks ago, an odd request appeared on an online farmer discussion group to which I belong. A lawyer was soliciting white farmers to join a lawsuit fighting a new USDA loan forgiveness program aimed at helping minority farmers,
Rescue Small Farms, California!
Irrigation pipes beside a fallow field that last year overflowed with vegetables for a local CSA. Photo by Kelsey Joy Murphey Farming has always been a risky business, but here in California, 2021 is proving to be another beast altogether.
Drought’s Toll on California Family Farms
Just as California begins recovering from a year of pandemic and devastating wildfires, the state is facing another disaster: severe drought and record-breaking high temperatures. Small farmers who scrambled to adapt and supply healthy, local food when the pandemic shuttered
CAFF chosen as a 2021 Nonprofit of the Year
This week, CAFF was selected as a 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senator Sydney Kamlager. We’re honored to join other inspiring nonprofits around the state recognized for their tremendous contributions to the communities they serve. “Thank you Senator
Critical Investments for Our Small Family Farmers
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers is calling on legislative leaders to support critical investments in California’s small and underserved farmers. CAFF is seeking legislative support for approximately $60 million in one-time investments aimed at addressing the urgent need to
Family Farmers Return from State Capitol with High Hopes
Earlier this month, CAFF traveled (virtually) to the State Capitol in Sacramento to meet with legislators during CAFF’s Week of Action. Over three days, farmers and ranchers participated in meetings with 19 legislators to advocate for critical investments to support
Revision to Co-Selling Regs at Farmers Markets
State of California Memorandum To : Certified Producer’s, Market Operators and other Interested Parties Date: May 18, 2021 Sacramento (916) 900-5030 From : Department of Food and Agriculture – Steve Patton, Branch Chief Inspection & Compliance Branch Subject : Interpretation
Latest Round of Federal Funding for Farmers Impacted by COVID-19: Limited Time, Apply Now!
Note: Translated application and fact sheets are available in Hmong (Hmong), 한국어(Korean), ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi), Español (Spanish), اردو (Urdu), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) found here. The USDA is handing out $14 billion of CCC/CARES money as CFAP 2.0 (Coronavirus Food Assistance
Updated Food Safety Plan in Spanish
CAFF’s free food safety plan template for small farmers has recently been updated. The template is geared towards farmers that need to be in compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act. The Spanish version of the template is available
Fund Gives Sacramento Small Farmers New Tools To Recover from Pandemic
Sacramento, CA – With many small farms still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced today that the nonprofit is launching a fund to help local farmers recover from and prepare for future crises. Sacramento’s
Getting the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) demonstration project off the ground!
The BIOS project is underway! CAFF’s Ecological Farming team has been busy the past several weeks setting up the Biologically Integrated Orchards Systems (BIOS) project at six demonstration sites located in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. We are excited
Bold Climate & Agriculture Bill Introduced in Congress
Today, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA) in Congress, outlining a farmer-focused, research-driven path to net zero agriculture. This Earth Day, CAFF is proud to endorse this bill on behalf of
CAFF Week of Action 2021
CALLING ALL FAMILY FARMERS: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! Join us for CAFF’s (first ever!) Week of Action, May 17 – 19th, a series of virtual meetings with your state legislators! In order to make change in the California food & farming landscape–from fair
Farmer Opportunity: Local Food Access for Seniors
Eligible farmers, farmers markets and other local aggregators have a unique opportunity to help distribute fresh, local produce to seniors across California. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program may look a little different during COVID but the state and federal
California’s small farmers thank state leaders for critical pandemic relief support
CAFF-led effort helps deliver $3.35 million in state early action funds will help underserved farmers access relief and recovery dollars Sacramento, CA – Today California state leaders enacted budget legislation to provide critical support for small and historically underserved farmers
PC Rule Guide for Food Hubs and Values-Based Buyers
FSMA Supplier Verification Demystified The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is composed of seven main rules or sections. Th common name of one of those sections is the PC or Preventive Controls Rule. That rule applies to facilities such as
Action Alert: Sign-on to Support Food Hubs!
🚨 ACTION ALERT! 🚨 SIGN ON TO SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD HUBS! Calling on Farmers, Ranchers, and Organizations to sign on in support of a California Assembly Bill (AB1009 – Bloom) supporting the development of community-based food hubs, prioritizing direct sales
Persevering Through COVID-19: Schools Support Food Access in San Mateo County
PERSEVERING THROUGH COVID-19: Schools Support Food Access in San Mateo County California schools, a significant market for family farmers, are critical sources of food access for local communities. CAFF Teamed up with UC Cooperative Extension and Get Healthy San Mateo
Ca Relief Grants: Farmer Applications Open for Round 6
Learn how to apply for the California Relief Grant
California’s Chance for a Resilient and Equitable Food & Farming System
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed weaknesses within our food and farming system and exacerbated long-standing inequities. This pandemic has disproportionately impacted California’s small-scale farmers and, in particular, historically underserved farmers of color, many of whom continue to struggle to keep
Family Farmers Condemn Anti-Asian Violence
We condemn the harassment, violent attacks, and most recent murders of those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We are horrified not only by the recent surge of anti-Asian hate but also the pervasive discrimination that has
Family Farmers for Early Action on CA State Budget
The below letter was sent by CAFF and signed by dozens of family farmers across the state to members of the California state Senate and Assembly, expressing our support for a budget that includes significant and much-needed investments in climate
Integrating Sheep into Walnuts: a case study on Sierra Orchards
Want to find out more about the benefits and tradeoffs of integrating sheep into orchard systems? Check out our newest case study on Sierra Orchards of Winters, CA. Sean McNamara and Jeremy Shepherd share their experiences on integrating sheep into
CAFF’s Farmer Survey Results 2021
In 2020 we asked you to complete our annual survey, participate in one-on-one conversations, and listening sessions – this critical feedback from farmers helps guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and represent California family famers. The results are
House Ag Committee Proposes Much-Needed Aid in Next COVID Relief Package
COVID-19 Funding Will Assist with Farm and Food System Response and Recovery February 9th, 2021, Washington, DC — Today, the House of Representatives released the Agriculture and Nutrition title of the FY2021 Budget Reconciliation bill, intended to address ongoing impacts
CAFF on CA Assembly Ag Committee Hearing
CAFF’s public comment for the California Assembly Ag Committee Hearing, February 10, 2021: Good Afternoon Chair Rivas and members. Jamie Fanous for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. CAFF has represented small and mid-scale family farmers in California for over 40 years,
Don’t Let FDA’s Unfair Rules Jeopardize Small Farms
When it comes to regulating American agriculture, one size does NOT fit all. That was the message that CAFF and thousands of family farmers brought to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ten years ago when they began hashing out
California Relief Grant: Round 2 opens Tuesday 2/2
(Español abajo) If you missed Round 1 of the California Relief Grant for businesses impacted by Covid, there’s still time to get your application in! Round 2 is open February 2-8. Here’s what folks who received grants in Round 1
2021 California Food & Farm Champions
Every year, we honor individuals, farms and local businesses making a positive impact on our food and agricultural communities throughout California. This year’s nominations–submitted by people like you–overflowed with inspiring stories of change-makers who are innovating, giving back and working
Tell Our CA State Legislature that Backing Governor’s 2021 Budget Means Supporting Family Farms
Last week, Governor Newsom released his California state budget, which included funding for a number of incredibly important programs aimed at helping family farms during the pandemic, advancing social equity in agriculture, and promoting climate smart farming–programs that CAFF and
Farmers’ Market Workers Should be Included in 1B Vaccine Group
January 15, 2021 To: Dr Erica Pan, CDPH; Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, OSG; Community Vaccine Advisory Committee Members CC: Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary Karen Ross, Bobbie Wunsch Re: Ensure CA’s Certified Farmers’ Markets Industry Included in Phase 1b of
Family farmers applaud Governor’s investments in underserved small farmers & ecological agriculture
Sacramento – Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed FY 21-22 budget, including targeted investments to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), an agricultural group that represents small and mid-sized farmers in California, applauded Governor
Farmers Standing Up for Democracy
We at CAFF often find ourselves at odds with those in power, frustrated by a government that for too long has neglected family farms, drags its feet on climate legislation, and continues to uphold systems perpetuating racial inequities, monopolization, and
CSA / Farm Box Survey
CSA/Farm Box Operators, Raise Your Voice! By taking just a few minutes to complete our 2020 CSA / Farm Box Survey, you help guide CAFF’s CSA-related work and help us capture the trajectory of the CSA model. PLUS: you’ll automatically be entered to win
CA Offers New COVID Relief Grants
The State of California is offering $500 million in new relief grants to help small businesses and nonprofits, including farms, impacted by COVID-19. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 per business and can be used to cover a wide range
Help CAFF Level the Playing Field for Family Farms
Meet Celsa Ortega. After years of working in other peoples’ fields, in 2020 she finally started her own farm, Induchucuiti Organic Farms. With her own hands, Celsa tends her field in Salinas, exemplifying what it takes to be a small
CAFF’s Cover Crop Decision Guides
We’re excited to share two new resources for growers: our Cover Crop Decision Guide for Perennial Systems and Cover Crop Decision Guide for Annual Systems created in collaboration with the Freshwater Trust. These practical guides are designed to walk
Newest Round of Federal COVID-19 Aid for Farmers More Accessible
The USDA is handing out $14 billion of CCC/CARES money as CFAP 2.0. The new program is a marked improvement on the last version with more eligible commodities and a payment option based on lost income rather than price decline. Applications opened September
Did you receive a Healthy Soils Incentives grant?
CAFF is offering technical assistance to growers and ranchers to help implement Healthy Soils practices on-farm! We can help: Provide advice on how to implement cover cropping, no-till and reduced tillage, whole orchard recycling, compost application and more. Connect with
Black Lives Matter on our Farms
Since summer’s start, when CAFF joined millions in taking a stand for Black lives, the movement for racial justice has grown. But during that same time, violence against people of color has, too. From police shootings like that of Jacob Blake
Seeking Farmers to Speak up on Groundwater Mgmt. Policy
Concerned about the impacts of SGMA on your farm? Join CAFF’s farmer support network for resources, connections with other CA farmers, and the opportunity to influence State policy to serve family farmers’ needs The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Remembering CAFF Board Member Pete Price
Late last month, we lost a friend, devoted CAFF board member and tireless champion in Sacramento fighting for family farms across the state. Pete Price served as CAFF’s legislative representative from 1998 to 2010 and joined the board in 2000
More Funds for Farmers Impacted by COVID-19 & Economic Crisis
For many family farmers reeling from the economic turmoil of COVID-19, sorely needed emergency relief never came because the government programs intended to serve them were targeted to the largest and wealthiest farms. To date, farm relief programs have proven
2020 CAFF Survey
CAFF’s ANNUAL SURVEY Your voice matters! By taking the time to complete this survey, you help guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and represent California family farmers, while promoting regenerative agriculture and local food systems. Deadline: Dec 1st,
Why Family Farmers Say YES on Prop 15
This November, California voters will have a chance to support small farms, small businesses and local communities, while ensuring big, wealthy corporations pay more of their fair share of property taxes. Prop 15 closes a corporate tax loophole that for
ACTION ALERT! Tell Congress: Local Farms Need COVID-19 Relief
The majority of farmers selling local foods have suffered severe market disruptions due to COVID-19, yet the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) has left them out. Now we have a chance to fix this dire situation! U.S. Representative Alma
Fire Relief Fund Launched to Support Family Farmers
Responding to wildfires across the state, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) re-launched a fund to support smaller-scale farms impacted by this latest disaster. The grassroots initiative aims to fill the gaps of government aid and insurance, which often fail
Farm Resources for Wildfire Resilience
CAFF has carefully compiled a variety of resources to hep you and your farm prepare, respond and recovery from disasters such as the wildfires engulfing the golden state right now. Tips, videos, financial aid and much, much more.
California Invests in Transition to Ecological Walnut Production
In a move to help walnut growers shift towards safer, more sustainable pest management practices, this week the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) awarded a $1 million grant to Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for the agency’s
CAFF’S On-Farm Occultation Research Report
Research and recommendations on occultation Building on our work in biointensive no-till systems, CAFF’s Climate Smart Farming team launched a research trial on California vegetable farms on a related practice called occultation. Occultation or “weeding with tarps”, is considered an
Don’t Let Congress Ignore Small Farms Yet Again!
In the last COVID aid package, congress approved $16 billion to support U.S. agriculture. But how much of that money found its way to the small family farmers who need it most? …Crumbs. Of the 93 farmers that CAFF supported
2020 IS A YEAR OF BIG CHANGES
2020 IS A YEAR OF BIG CHANGES Over four decades ago, those who founded CAFF gave their word to help grow more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems. Today, we’re excited to announce a few changes in our organization, both
CAFF’s Ecological Farming Program
Since 2017, CAFF’s Climate Smart Farming program has worked closely with farmers, researchers and technical assistance providers to investigate and promote climate smart farming practices through on-farm research and demonstration projects, education and outreach. As we continue to work at
Weak State Ag Report Highlights Need for Farmer Justice
Last month, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) released a much-anticipated report highlighting inequities in California agriculture and recommending steps the state agency can take to address historic and lasting racism. While the report identified some key areas
Small Farm FSMA Series Post 4 of 4
SMALL FARM FSMA SERIES – POST 4 of 4 Author: Stepheni Norton, Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is general in good farm practice and
Small Farm FSMA Series Post 3 of 4
Author: Stepheni Norton, San Diego Regional Food Safety Specialist FSMA is serious business, so we have a few disclaimers before we dig in. Advice provided here is meant for QUALIFIED EXEMPT FARMS If you need help determining your status, read
Best Design for Food Safety – Floors
Farmers can learn more in this resource created by the University of Vermont Extension and translated into Spanish by CAFF about how to design on-farm postharvest floors so that they minimize food safety risk. Download the resource here. Este trabajo
Smooth and Cleanable Surfaces
Farmers can learn more in this resource created by the University of Vermont Extension and translated into Spanish by CAFF about how to design on-farm postharvest areas so that the surfaces minimize food safety risk. Download the resource here. Este
Farm Cooler Checklist
Farmers can learn more about food safety best practices for on-farm coolers by checking out this resource created by the University of Vermont Extension and translated into Spanish by CAFF. Download resource here. Este trabajo está respaldado por el Programa
Worker Health & Hygiene: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to be in compliance with worker health and hygiene requirements. There is also an overview of what