All posts in Blog
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Wild & Domestic Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do to meet wild and […]
Monitoring Animals: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what a farm that needs to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) needs to do in regards to […]
Land Use: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet provides an overview of what farms that need to be in full compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) need to do in regards to their […]
Soil Amendments from Animals: 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 with their soil amendments of animal origin […]
Written Plans: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet discusses an overview of what farms need to have for a written food safety plan if their need to be in full compliance with FSMA. There is also […]
Recordkeeping: FSMA & NOP
This factsheet explains the records farms that need to be in full compliance with FSMA must have and compares those vs. what records are required for the national organic program […]
FSMA 101 vs. Organic Regulations
This factsheet provides an overview of the three farm categories within the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and relates that food safety regulation to the national organic program (NOP) […]
FARM SURVEY: COVID-19 in the Workplace
(CAFF and the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety invite you to complete a short survey about your experience addressing COVID-19 in the workplace. The survey should […]
Black Lives Matter, Solidarity from the Farm
BLACK LIVES MATTER SOLIDARITY FROM THE FARM FROM COMMUNITY ALLIANCE WITH FAMILY FARMERS Like many of you, we at CAFF have been gripped by the murder of George […]
Where Government Aid Falls Short, Grassroots Fund Helps Family Farms
Second round of grants to 36 farmers totals $90,000 Davis, CA – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced the second round of emergency assistance grants to California farmers impacted […]
New FDA Guidance on FSMA Qualified Exempt Requirements During Covid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released temporary guidance on the requirements that farms must meet to be considered qualified exempt under the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). […]
USDA’s COVID-19 Farmer Relief Will Leave Out Farmers Most Impacted by Crisis
Thousands of Farmers and Ranchers Working to Feed their Communities Will Not be Fairly Compensated for Losses
Federal Aid for Farmers: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Yesterday the White House announced that farmers may begin applying for direct payments as part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office […]
Reconnecting Markets, Feeding Communities
RECONNECTING MARKETS, FEEDING COMMUNITIES Food System Supply & Demand during COVID-19 Are you seeking new markets and new customers during the COVID-19 crisis? Have you lost sales outlets? Do you […]
Fund Supports Family Farmers Falling Through the Cracks of COVID-19 Crisis
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) announced the first round emergency assistance grants to California farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic earlier today. Most of the growers haven’t or are […]
Take Steps Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Assistance
Since the COVID-19 crisis hit, CAFF has been working hard with our allies at the state and national levels, urging our government to not only provide relief for the agricultural […]
Urging Congress to Protect Organic Food & Ag During Pandemic
As a member of the Organic Farmers Alliance in D.C., CAFF joined in urging congress to include provisions in the next coronavirus relief package to help organic farmers, farmworkers, retailers, […]
EIDL Disaster Loan Applications Now Open to Farms
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories were able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of […]
State Program Puts Food Industry Back to Work, Sources from Local Farms to Feed Seniors in Need
Last week, Governor Newsom announced the launch of a first-in-the-nation “Great Plates Delivered” program, a state-funded meal delivery service with two goals: 1) help seniors and other adults at high […]
How To Be A Good Farmers Market Customer
To assure our farmers markets stay open, accessible and safe for everyone, it’s gonna take everyone doing their part on both sides of the booth.
Farm to Family Program
$2 million in USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding for CAFB to support harvesting, packing and shipping of donated specialty crop products. In addition, the state Department of Social Services […]
Governor: Expansion of Farm to Family Program
Governor Newsom Announces Expansion of Farm to Family Program and New Initiatives to Combat Food Insecurity. The Governor unveiled $3.64 million in new funding to expand the state’s Farm to […]
Farm Tough First Aid Kit
Most standard first aid kits you can buy do not come with supplies that are tough enough to withstand farming activities. CAFF created this Farm Tough First Aid Kit resource […]
Don’t Let the USDA Leave You Out
ACTION ALERT! As farmers and ranchers across the country are feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is preparing to distribute $16 billion in direct aid to producers who have […]
New Funding: Soil Health Management in Orchards
Financial & technical assistance available through participating in On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials with the East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District! View below or download the application here.
New CDC Resource on Facemasks in Agriculture
Today (4/24/20) CDC released a new webpage providing information on facemasks, face coverings, and respirator use in agriculture. The article explains what type of face covering can be worn effectively […]
Farmers Now Eligible for Federal Funds
This week the Senate passed the latest aid package, which is now on its way to the House for a likely vote and the President has indicated he will sign […]
New Guidance for Operating Certified Farmers’ Markets During COVID-19
Updated 4/21 by the CDFA: This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The California Department of Food and […]
CAFF Participating in Survey of Farm Workers During COVID-19
Farmworkers are considered essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis and continue to work on California farms and ranches. In order to ensure that these workers’ voices are shaping responses to […]
COVID Update: CA Dept. of Food & Ag
Governor Newsom Action on Unemployment Benefits, Including Undocumented Immigrants On April 15, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-50-20 to support California workers impacted by the Coronavirus, including financial aid to undocumented immigrants. The […]
COVID-19 USDA Farm Stimulus Packages
On Friday, the White House announced that it will direct $19 billion in funds to aid farmers and ranchers during the coronavirus crisis. CAFF and our allies in D.C. are […]
State Water Resources Control Board Limits Regulation of On-Farm Composting
(Updated 4/15/20) The State Water Resources Control Board’s Compost General Order that passed in 2015 presented a regulatory obstacle for on-farm composting, despite the state’s efforts to reduce waste and […]
On-Farm Food Safety Webinar
On 4/8/20 CAFF gave a webinar answering dozens of questions on on-farm food safety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judith Redmond from Full Belly Farm shared some tips and other […]
CAFF Policy Update: COVID-19
Updated 4/10/20 (we will continue to update this document as new developments unfold and as new information is released) CARES Federal programs In the face of our public health crisis […]
Emergency Fund Supports CA Family Farmers Impacted By Covid-19
Given the pressing challenges facing California farmers as a result of Covid-19, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is launching a new fund today to support those farmers most impacted […]
New CAFF Resource: How to Run CSA Pick Up Sites during COVID-19
CAFF has created a new resource for farmers that have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick up locations. The guide has tips for farmers and a sign that farmers could post […]
New CAFF Resource: How to Prepare for Farm Labor Shortages
CAFF has created a new resource to help farmers prepare for possible labor shortages due to COVID-19. The first page of this resource is a flowchart that helps farmers determine […]
California Okays On-Farm Compost, Key to Sustainable Agriculture
Sacramento, CA – After more than five years of negotiations, the State Water Resources Control Board issued a historic decision to allow for much-needed composting on California farms. “Farmers can […]
On-Farm COVID-19 Food Safety Info & FAQs
By: Kali Feiereisel, MPH Senior Manager, Farmer Services Last updated: April 7th, 2020 We realize this is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. Hopefully this blog post can […]
COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide
Need help navigating through the chaos COVID-19? This Guide from the U.S. Small Business Development Center is here to help, from loans to labor to answering questions regarding how your […]
A Closer Look at Farmer Relief in Senate Pandemic Aid Package
As farmers and communities all across the country continue to deal with the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Congress has been working around the clock to pass another round […]
Farmers’ Market Response & Best Practices: COVID19
As COVID19 is is rapidly changing, we will also update this guide. Please check back frequently for tips, best practices, communication, signs and alternative market models, such as Drive Thru […]
Congress Steps Up to Support Family Farmers
Washington, DC – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), a nonprofit organization that serves small- and mid-scale farmers in California, issued the following statement from Policy Director Dave Runsten in […]
Sign Up for Buyer/Seller Support: COVID-19
Are you in need of support to help sell, buy, or otherwise distribute local food in California as a result of impacts caused by COVID-19? Fill out this form and […]
Tell Congress: Support Family Farms & Local Food During COVID-19 Crisis!
The global COVID-19 pandemic is touching every part of our lives, including food and agriculture. Necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus have resulted in the immediate loss […]
Employee Transit Letter
On March 19th, Gov. Newsom issued an executive order directing California residents to “Shelter-In-Place.” However, Gov. Newsom’s order allows people employed in critical jobs like food production to move freely […]
CSA Tools & Resources During COVID19
With COVID-19 rapidly evolving, we at CAFF are actively compiling CSA-specific tools and information to help farmers adapt, stay safe and continue to provide healthy food for their local communities…
Coronavirus Aid Must Help Farmers Keep Foothold in Local Food Economies
While the Trump administration prioritizes bailouts for airlines and other big businesses, it’s an imperative to support the family farms that put food on our plates. That’s why groups representing farmers […]
Is Your Farmers Market Closed? Send this Letter!
Is your farmers market closed because of COVID-19? Use this template letter to urge your local government to reopen the market, recognizing it as an essential business keeping your community […]
COVID-19 & its Impacts on the Farm and Food System
A policy update from CAFF’s advocacy coalition in D.C., the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: The rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic is already causing significant impacts across the entirety of our US […]
What can consumers do to support farms & local food system during Covid-19?
What Can Consumers Do During the COVID-19 Crisis to Support Family Farms & Our Local Food System? While confusion abounds during this ever-developing COVID-19 crisis, one thing is clear: a […]
The Fight to Keep Farmers’ Markets Open During Coronavirus
In communities nationwide, farmers and market managers are making the case for continuing to sell local food with precautions in place against COVID-19. At the downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market last […]
CSA & Online Sales during Covid-19
SELLING DIRECT & ONLINE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, many farmers are being forced to reconsider their sales outlets. While there may be no […]
Coronavirus & CA Farmers Markets
CORONAVIRUS & CA FARMERS MARKETS As the full affects of Covid-19 continue unfolding, we at CAFF are watching closely to find out how this pandemic will impact California family farmers […]
Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ Statement on Governor’s Announcement on COVID-19 Actions
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2020 Sacramento, CA – Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), a nonprofit organization that serves small- and mid-scale farmers in California, issued the following statement […]
Vídeo: Los Cinco Principios de la Salud del Suelo
Los agricultores en todo el mundo operan en una era de clima incierto. Los suelos sanos y vivos pueden soportar mejor la creciente demanda que les estamos imponiendo para cultivar […]
Technical Assistance for the Healthy Soils Program
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE HEALTHY SOILS PROGRAM Are you interested in implementing cover crops, compost, hedgerows and other Healthy Soils practices on you farm? The California Department of Food and […]
Now more than ever, we should be supporting SLO county’s small organic farms
NEW TIMES SLO – The American disconnect between food and farmer is nothing short of catastrophic. Farming is complicated and grossly underestimated, especially small, organic farming in a state that […]
2020 Awards: California Food & Farm Champions
Every year, our community recognizes farmers and food system advocates from across California who are contributing to a stronger local food economy, promoting food justice and empowering a new generation […]
CA Small Farm Conference Comes to San Luis Obispo County Feb 27-29
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CALIFORNIA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE COMES TO SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY For its thirty-second year, the annual California Small Farm Conference is heading to San Luis […]