All posts in Blog
Farm to School Partnerships in Merced County
On a warm September evening in Merced, CA, hundreds of students and families gathered for “Back to School Night” across Merced City School District’s 14 elementary schools. Fortunately for attendees […]
Future of Family Farms in the San Joaquin Valley
Earlier this year, CAFF kicked off a massive project in the San Joaquin Valley to help support family farms there and strengthen the local food economy, in partnership with UC […]
CAFF Survey 2023
Please take a few moments (no more than 10 minutes) to complete this year’s survey. The results from this survey help us better understand what issues are most important […]
CRECE Urban Farm Collective, Spreadwing Farm, and CAFF’s Dave Runsten podcast episode
In this episode we delve into all things on-farm composting, from its production to its use and relevant agricultural policies. We hear from Abel Ruiz at CRECE Farming Collective in […]
Análisis microbianos del agua gratuitos para los agricultores
Foto del Western Center for Food Safety ¿Es usted un agricultor que necesita realizar análisis del agua en su granja? CAFF cubrirá los gastos de los análisis microbiológicos del agua de […]
Cover Crops in Orchards case study
Do you want to learn more about the ins and outs of planting and managing cover crops from growers with cover crop experience? Check out our Cover Crops in Orchards […]
Lopes Family Farm Field Day: Integrated rice and duck farming
On June 29th, Lopes Family Farms hosted a field day with Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) in Princeton, CA focused on rice and duck farming, a Biologically Integrated Farming […]
It’s time to register your farm for online EBT/SNAP!
Marketlink is now registering farms for the SNAP online payment solution for direct marketing farmers. The press release can be viewed here. For interested farmers, the first step is […]
Final state budget protects commitments to small farms & provides vital flood relief!
Sacramento, CA -— Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2023-24 budget bill. The Community Alliance with Family Farmers supports the final state budget agreement and is pleased to see the […]
Selling Into Farm to School
Farm to School programs are popping up across the nation! Communities see the educational and nutritional values of providing fresh and local food for students and the economic benefits to […]
CAFF Strategic Plan 2023
For 45 years, CAFF has been the voice of family-scale agriculture in California. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we are thrilled to share with you—the farmers, food system advocates, […]
Ag/Livestock Pass Programs in California
What is an Ag/Livestock Pass? The Agriculture and Livestock Pass Identification Card is a form of verification that allows farmers and ranchers to access their properties and tend to their […]
No-Till News: An Update on CAFF’s Biointensive No-Till Project
CAFF’s Biointensive No-Till Project is an on-farm demonstration project partnering with small, diversified vegetable farms in Northern California who are committed to minimizing tillage and interested in learning about how […]
BIOS Field Day at Locke Ranch
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Locke Ranch on May 23rd. Attendees were treated to a walk through the […]
ACTION ALERT: Last chance to prevent funding cuts to small farm programs & demand winter storm relief
FIND THE CONTACT INFO FOR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE HERE
Farmers Beet Podcast on Integrated Crop Livestock Systems with Eatwell Farm – Dixon and Pasture42 – Guinda
In this episode, we learn about integrated crop livestock management from two Northern California Farms. First, we hear from Lorraine Walker of Eatwell Farm in Dixon, CA, where they incorporate […]
Free Microbial Water Testing for Farmers
Photo from the Western Center for Food Safety Are you a farmer who needs to conduct water testing on your farm? CAFF will cover the costs of microbiological water testing […]
Family Farmers React to Gov’s Budget, Urge Re-investments in Local Food, Equitable Flood Relief
Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2023-24 May Revision Budget proposal. While we commend the Governor for addressing the devastating effects of climate change on the agriculture community, with severe swings […]
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2023
Happy wildfire community preparedness day! Have you ever looked at your calendar and noticed there’s a holiday that you’ve never heard of before? Sure, there are the ones that are […]
Food Hub Basics
“BIPOC Produce” is a new Fresno-based initiative involving over 90 BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) farmers whose founder, Keng Vang, is from a Hmong family of farmers. After […]
BIOS Field Day at Chinchiolo Farms
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Chinchiolo Farms on April 20th. After a very wet winter, attendees enjoyed the […]
Helping Small Farms Stay Afloat
California has been pummeled by an intense series of winter storms and atmospheric rivers since December 2022. While the rains provide much-needed drought relief, filling up reservoirs and watering thirsty […]
Directrices de inocuidad alimentaria para pequeñas granjas de California
La siguiente lista de recomendaciones debe tenerse en cuenta durante la producción, la cosecha, la transformación y el transporte de los cultivos.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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) […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]