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Local Food Producers Bill
The Local Food Producers Bill, if passed, will help identify and create a legal definition for “Local Food Producers”, independently-owned farms operated on less than 500 acres who sell direct to their local community. Join us today in calling on
Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by CA Legislator
[SACRAMENTO, CA] – Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 552 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and mid-scale growers. The program will increase access to necessary farm equipment for health soil practices, on-farm
Sign on Today: Cooperative Tool Sharing Bill
SIGN ON TODAY! Summary Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) are sponsoring AB 552 to create the California Small & Underserved Farmer Equipment & Cooperative Resources program at the Department of Conservation(DOC)
Member Spotlight: Shepherdess Land & Livestock Co
New year new member spotlights! In 2023 we hope to bring you all a wide range of members from all walks who are excited to share what being a member means to them. This month we had the amazing opportunity
2023 Small Farm Innovation Challenge Winners
Proving that innovation thrives on a small-scale, the winners of the 3rd annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge bring appropriate tech solutions to local agriculture. This competition, hosted each year by the nonprofit Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), invites anyone,
Produce Safety and Flood Resources
Guidance and resources for growers to assess crop safety after a flood
CAFF’s 2023 Policy Priorities
In the Fall of 2022 we embarked on our annual intensive farmer listening process, organizing over a dozen multilingual farmer gatherings, distributing our online survey to hundreds of growers, and holding numerous one-on-one conversations. This process is an essential opportunity
2023 California Farm Champions
Every year, we honor change-makers, trailblazers and those giving back to their local food and agricultural communities. From innovative farmers to grassroots organizers, these are the people who give us hope for the future. Selected from nominations that pour in from
Consejos para Agricultores Familiares Preparando por Evacuaciones durante un Incendio Forestal
Hoy en día, el cambio climático, la propagación de plantas invasivas y la actualización de prácticas agrícolas están aumentando constantemente la frecuencia de los incendios forestales. Como resultado, es importante seguir pasos para mantenerse bien informado y preparado antes de
Family Farms React to Governor’s Proposed Budget, Major Cuts
Sacramento, CA -— Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2023-24 state budget proposal which maintains essential drought relief but threatens cuts to infrastructure investments for California’s small-scale and underserved farmers. While acknowledging the limitations of this year’s budget deficit,
One & a half million dollars for family farms in need
During this season of giving, we found joy not only in receiving but in giving. And this year was a record-breaking year of giving for CAFF! To help small farmers struggling through an epic drought, wildfire devastation, and the pandemic…
December Membership Spotlight: Monica Lin
To wrap up 2022, we’re shining the last Member Spotlight of the year on Monica Lin from Foodshed in San Diego. Monica is very involved with her community and is truly passionate about the work she does increasing food access while
Data Training for the Small Farm
CAFF’s Small Farm Tech Hub hosted a data training for the Small Farm which was a three-part webinar series held during November-December 2022. The webinar recordings are provided below along with a list of resources referenced during the series. This workshop
Value-Added Product Success, Three Farms Share Their Stories
CAFF’s Tech Hub is hosting a three part webinar series on value-added products and success stories of small producers using Ecommerce. The series highlights farmers who have developed their business to include value-added products and offers practical information on how they navigated
Let’s Keep Small Farmers Farming Forever
Anna Knight spent much of her youth trying to get away from the farm–sports and an off-farm job ensured she always had an excuse not to join her family at the farmers market selling mandarins, oranges, kiwi. As Anna was
Episode 3: First Rain Farm- Nevada City
In this episode, we travel to First Rain Farm in Nevada County, where Tim Van Wagner is integrating a number of effective wildfire preparation methods on his property, as well as those of his neighbors and surrounding community. By combining
BIOS Field Day: FoamStream Demo and Talking Organic Weed Management
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) field day on November 30th in Clements, CA. Farmer Alicia Lewis-Rikkonen arranged a demonstration of a novel weed control technology, called FoamStream, in her olive orchard and
Value-Added Producer Grant Scholarship Program
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash CAFF’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Scholarship Program provides partial funding for farmers to work with Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. to write and submit a VAPG Grant application. How does it work? Farmers must
Programa de certificación de inocuidad alimentaria para cultivos especiales
Un nuevo programa a través de la Agencia de servicios agrícolas del USDA está proporcionando el reembolso de los gastos del programa de inocuidad alimentaria en la granja relacionados con la obtención o renovación de una certificación de inocuidad alimentaria
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 2022 and/or 2023. How does it work? In 2022 and 2023, the program
New Podcast Season: Farmer Stories of Wildfire Recovery & Preparedness
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program provides specialized recovery and preparedness resources for small farms and communities in California impacted by wildfire and those seeking to prepare against future threats. One of the best mediums for conducting this type of outreach and
Membership Spotlight: Red Gate Ranch
Just like that it’s fall! Each season brings new tasty fruits and veggies. For this month we’re highlighting a farm that provides their community with a wide range of delicious food, Red Gate Ranch. We asked the team at Red Gate
Central Valley Farmers Achieve Ground Breaking Sales to Schools
This year for the first time in his farming career, Donald Sherman made a sale to a school district. Mr. Sherman has been interested in providing fresh produce to local schools in Fresno where he resides and also farms for
Value-Added Product Webinar Series for Farmers
Note: This webinar series has passed. Click here to watch the webinar series on CAFF’s YouTube Channel. Are you a farmer or rancher interested in producing or scaling a value-added product? Are you interested in applying for the USDA’s Value-Added
FSMA Inspection Case Study: CDFA FSMA PSP Inspector
This interview is part of our Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) case study series. In earlier case studies we interviewed other farmers and they talked about food safety practices they complete to minimize their food safety risks and be in
Membership Spotlight: Bluebird Farm
After that September heatwave the temperatures dropped, and all of a sudden the slight hint of fall was in the air! Even though fall is coming soon, our local farmers are still harvesting summer goodies for all of us to
USDA Halts Almond Board Rule Change & Saves Direct Market Farmers
Today the USDA halted an Almond Board rule change that would have prohibited direct online sales of raw almonds, which farmers had previously been pursuing as part of the roadside stand and farmers’ market exemption. When these direct-to-consumer exemptions were
Talking Integrated Pest Management at Blossom Farms
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) hosted our fourth Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day, titled “Effective IPM Strategies for Major Walnut Pests,” at Blossom Farms on July 12th. Attendees gathered in the cover cropped orchard to discuss
CAFF Partners w/ CA Assoc. of Food Banks & Fresh Approach on New Local Food Purchasing Program
This week, the United States Department of Food and Agriculture announced California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) at the Yolo Food Bank – a member of the California Association of Food Banks. Read USDA’s announcement here. As a
Member Spotlight: Brisa Ranch
Summer is at its peak and all the farmers are working hard to harvest all the delicious veggies from their fields, like the three amazing farmers at Brisa Ranch. We had the pleasure to speak to Cole who took the
BIOS Field Day at Unruh Farms
In continuing to promote the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) held its third field day event hosted at Unruh Farms located in Princeton, CA., on June 16th. The event focused primarily around beneficial
5 Key Wildfire Resilience Practices
It’s not always obvious that some of the ecological farming practices used frequently by farmers, also provide wildfire protection and recovery benefits. Check out the infographic below which was developed by our cross team at CAFF to learn more! Click
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,
La Inocuidad Alimentaria Vs. los Requisitos Orgánicos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de las tres categorías de fincas dentro de la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) y relaciona esa regulación de seguridad alimentaria con los requisitos
FSMA Y NOP: Mantenimiento de registros
Esta hoja informativa explica los registros que deben tener las fincas para estar en pleno cumplimiento con FSMA(por sus siglas en inglés) y los compara con los registros que se requieren para el programa nacional orgánico (NOP por sus siglas
FSMA Y NOP: Planes escritos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas deben tener para un plan de inocuidad de los alimentos por escrito si necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con FSMA. También hay una descripción general de los requisitos
FSMA Y NOP: El uso del suelo
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas que necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) necesitan hacer con respecto a su
FSMA Y NOP: Supervisión de los animales
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que una granja debe hacer para cumplir con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) con respecto al monitoreo para la contaminación de
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
Food Safety & Wildfires Case Study: Brisa Ranch
Key Details: Location: San Francisco bay area , near Pescadero Acres in Production: 16 Main Crops: Fruit, vegetables, flowers Wildfire: CZU Complex in 2020 3rd Party Audit(s): USDA Harmonized GAP Certified Organic by National Organic Program: Yes Owners: Cristóbal, Cole,
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