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Significant Investments & Drought Relief for Family Farmers in State Budget
This week, the California State Legislature passed and Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of budget bills that include significant investments in drought relief for small farms. After spending months listening to farmers and relaying their concerns to state leaders,

FSMA Y NOP: ANIMALES SILVESTRES Y DOMÉSTICOS
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general sobre lo que las granjas que necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA) deben hacer para cumplir con los requisitos de los animales salvajes

FSMA Y NOP: HIGIENE Y SALUD DE LOS TRABAJADORES
Esta hoja informativa explica qué deben hacer las granjas que necesitan cumplir plenamente con la Ley federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) para cumplir con los requisitos de higiene y salud de los

Family Farmer Emergency Fund Returns, Offering Drought & Wildfire Relief
With a third year of severe drought and another wildfire season already heating up, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is relaunching its California Family Farmer Emergency Fund for farmers in crisis. After yet another historically dry winter, farmers across

FSMA Water Updates June 2022
Confused about FSMA Water Requirements? In 2011 President Obama signed into law the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The law updated our federal food safety requirements and for the first time created federal food safety requirements for produce farms. This

Landmark CA Groundwater policy neglects small, underrepresented farmers
The most consequential groundwater policy in California history has so far failed to include small and underrepresented farmers, according to a new report. Passed in 2014, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was designed to protect the state’s groundwater, setting

Membership Spotlight: Black Urban Farmers Association (BUFA)
As summer approaches farmers throughout the state are entering their busiest season. They are working hard to bring our communities all the wonders that the summer season has to offer. Reatha Hardy-Jordan from Black Urban Farmers Association (BUFA) is one

Grazing Sheep in Vineyards case study with Pennyroyal Farm
As part of our work in Ecological Farming and more broadly as an organization, CAFF aims to share stories of California growers and ranchers and the incredible work they do as land stewards. Pennyroyal Farm in Boonville provides one example

Meet CAFF’s 2020-22 Partner Farm Cohort, Part 2
From 2020-2022 CAFF partnered with fifteen farms across California to develop and update their food safety practices. Farms who participated in the partnership wanted to ensure their food was safe for their communities, comply with the new Food Safety Modernization

Meet CAFF’s 2020-22 Partner Farm Cohort, Part 1
From 2020-2022 CAFF partnered with fifteen farms across California to develop and update their food safety practices. Farms who participated in the partnership wanted to ensure their food was safe for their communities, comply with the new Food Safety Modernization

FSMA Inspection Case Study: New Natives Farm
Key Details: Location: California Central Coast Main Crop(s): Microgreens FSMA PSR Inspection: 1/7/2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP/GMP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Ken and Sandra Kimes New Natives Farm was started in 1980. Today their

Family farmers praise drought relief, call for continued investments in food system
For Immediate Release: May 13, 2022 Sacramento, CA – Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom released a revised proposed state budget that includes significant investments in drought relief for small farms. Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), a group that represents

Member Spotlight: Windy River Farm
Each month our goal is to share the inspiring stories of our CAFF members. This month we asked Patrick Mitchell from Windy River Farms to be a part of this series. When we asked why he joined CAFF, Patrick said “I am a

PC Rule Supplier Verification Guide
Are you part of a food hub and confused about what Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) food safety requirements you need to require from farmers you source from? Or, are you a farmer that sells to a food hub and

Member Spotlight: La Puma Farms
Santa Barbara, CA This month, we’d like to introduce you to La Puma Farms. When we asked why he’s a CAFF member, John La Puma said “As a chef and physician, I’ve been privileged to be part of great organizations which push

CAFF VAPG Scholarship Opportunity
Interested in applying for the USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant? Do you sell your produce as organic, local, free range, grass fed, etc. OR make a finished product from your produce? Are you interested in exploring the feasibility of doing

CAFF’s 2022 Policy Priorities
What’s needed in California for small farms, sustainable agriculture and local food systems to truly thrive, find equity, and remain resilient in the face of adversity? In the fall 2021, CAFF went to the source to find out, conducting a

Member Spotlight: Barinaga Ranch
Photo by: Paige Green New month, new member spotlight! This month we want to introduce you to Marcia Barinaga of Barinaga Ranch. Marcia joined CAFF because she wanted to be more involved in her community, plus she enjoys those nice

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

2022 Farm Champions
Introducing… the 2022 Farm Champion awardees! To make it as a small farm and to affect real, lasting change in our food system, it requires unwavering determination, hard work, ingenuity, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose with a view

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

Plantillas de Planes de Inocuidad Alimentaria Actualizadas en Español
La plantilla gratuita del plan de inocuidad alimentaria de CAFF para pequeños agricultores ha sido actualizada recientemente. La plantilla está orientada a los agricultores que necesitan cumplir con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Inocuidad de los Alimentos. La

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