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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

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,

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

🚨 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

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