After yesterday’s final State of the State by Governor Newsom, we are reflecting on the small farm successes during the Newsom Administration. Here is a look at some wins for California farmers over the last several years:

1. Groundbreaking Investments in Farm to School: Governor Newsom has led California in investing in CDFA’s Farm to School efforts, having awarded $86.8 million to the California Farm to School Program since 2021. This program has led the nation in investments to connect local farmers and producers to school meal programs, as well as increasing integrated food-based education and healthy food access.
2. Creating the Farm to Community Food Hubs Program: California awarded more than $13 million to expand community food hubs and build regional food economies. This program increases the purchasing of local, environmentally sustainable, climate-smart, and equitably produced food. This has been an instrumental program in creating a better food system economy and accelerating climate adaptation and resilience.
3. Providing Vital Disaster and Emergency Relief to California’s Small and Underserved Farmers: In 2021, the Administration created the California Underserved & Small Producer Program (CUSP). Since its formation, over $22 million in grants have been awarded to small and underserved farmers across California. This brought financial relief to farmers dealing with drought, extreme weather, and other climate impacts in California, assisting farmers in mitigating immediate relief in times of disaster.
4. Creation of the Urban Agriculture Grant Program: California established the first-ever Urban Agriculture Grant Program to enhance the viability of urban agriculture across the state, awarding more than $11 million up through 2024. These grants have been monumental for urban farmers who have never had access to government resources before. We are excited for this program’s continuation into 2026 with $18 million in additional funding provided through the Climate Bond.
5. Investment in Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training: New and existing farmer training programs were supported, including $5 million in grants for the Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training Grant Program in 2025. This increased support and training opportunities for those most underserved in the agricultural industry.

  These programs and investments have been significant for our farming community. We look forward to working with the Administration and Legislature in this final year to ensure small and underserved farmers continue to have a voice and be supported. Especially, with ongoing cuts to federal programs impacting farmers and communities, we hope to work together with the Newsom Administration and the Legislature to continue to center local food purchasing and address affordability in California.