Webinar: GO-Biz CA Small Agricultural Business Drought & Storms/Flood Relief Grant Program
2023-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Webinar
The California Small Agricultural Business Drought & Flood Relief Grant Program aims to provide relief to small agricultural businesses that experienced a decline in annual gross receipts or gross profits due to drought or flood conditions.
CAFF is serving as a contracted Technical Assistance Provider to help interested applicants apply to the program. We will review the application eligibility, technology requirements, applications steps, and required documentation. There will be time allotted for Q&A. A complete agenda will be sent in advance to registered participants.
Please make sure to check the eligibility criteria in advance on the program website (select Drought or Flood as there are differences), and come prepared with your questions.
https://cadroughtfloodrelief.com/
This event is hosted in English and will be recorded. Every effort will be made to ensure that the recording is translated for the addition of Spanish subtitles later and will live on the CAFFFlix Youtube page during the open enrollment period (August 31-Oct 31).
If you or someone you know needs Spanish TA, please share the contact information below:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita asistencia técnica en español, comparta la información de contacto a continuación:
Asistencia Técnica en español:
Stephanie Stevens
(Pronombres: ella)
Gerente Senior de Programas, Negocios e Innovación
Línea directa (831) 271-5076
Email: stephanie@cafarmlink.org
Californiafarmlink.org

Tessa Salzman (ella)
Contratista con CAFF
¿Has sido afectado por una inundación o una sequía? Solicita ayuda aquí.
(707) 845-5846 (WhatsApp, mensajes, llamadas)

AAFC Watermelon Celebration : Food, Family, Fun on the Farm
2023-09-16 10:00 - 13:00 | AAFC Demonstration Farm, 7160 W California Ave, Fresno, CA, 93706, United States
This event will offer an opportunity CELEBRATE BLACK FARMERS and African American Farming heritage and culture along with the harvest and bounty that they will be reaping at that time. In addition to celebrating we hope to allow farmers the opportunity to tell their stories and share knowledge and experience with one another and the community. There will also be an opportunity for everyone in attendance to buy local produce from Black Farmers including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as eggs.
AAFC is currently engaged in a planning process to envision the future of both the organization and its programming and is prioritizing the community in Fresno – that means YOU – in this planning process.
We hope this event will allow AAFC to share its history/herstory as well as where the organization is at currently (its existing projects/programs) and also for you to provide feedback on this as well as what you envision for how you would like to engage with AAFC, their beginner farmer training program as well as the demonstration farm site.
This event is being hosted by the African American Farmers of California and is the second of a series of events that are part of our California Department of Food and Agriculture Beginner Farmer and Farm Worker Training Program Planning Grant (link).
For more info please email : rasheed [at] caff.org

CAFF x The Inland Empire Fall 2023 Gathering
2023-09-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Ecological Agriculture Training Cultural Center, 3954 Old Hammer Rd, Norco, CA, 92860, United States
(Espańol abajo)
Join CAFF and fellow farmers for food, drinks, and conversation about current resources opportunities and programs supporting urban growers. Come ready to collaborate and be a part of building a stronger network of agriculturalist in the Inland Empire with our host partners Ecological Agriculture Training Center, Growing Roots, Riverside Food Systems Alliance and the Riverside Food Hub. Spanish translation will be provided
+ Free Food & Drinks!
Únase a CAFF y a otros agricultores para disfrutar de alimentos, bebidas y conversar sobre oportunidades de recursos y programas que apoyan a los productores urbanos. Prepárese para colaborar y ser parte de la construcción de una red más sólida de agricultores en Inland Empire con nuestros socios Ecological Agriculture Training Center, Growing Roots, Riverside Food Systems Alliance y Riverside Food Hub. Se proporcionará traducción al español.
+ ¡Comida y bebidas gratis!

CAFF x Los Angeles Growers Alliance Fall 2023 Gathering
2023-09-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Avenue 33 Farms, 264 E 33rd Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90031, United States
Join us in our next Urban Grower Alliance Gathering as we center this space to bridge the gap between FSA (Farm Service Agency) and LA based urban farmers to establish programs, incentives, and technical support for the greater urban agriculture community. Our program is not exclusive to urban growers although we are intentional about holding space for farmers and emerging growers of all capacities in LA County. This is part of a collaborative effort between Farm Service Agency (FSA), Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC), Sustainable Economic Enterprise of Los Angeles (SEE-LA), & Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

Yolano Regional Farmer Gathering
2023-10-04 16:30 - 19:00 | Lockewood Acres, 7781 Locke Rd, Vacaville, CA, 95688, United States
Join us to be a part of a special farmer gathering at Lockewood Acres! This event will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and food leaders to discuss both success and barriers the agricultural community faces. During this event, we will share updates on 2023 policy successes for small farms and discuss 2024 policy priorities. Some important topics for discussion may include but are not limited to, sustainable pest management, land access, food hubs, farm cooperatives, and water resources.
Free light dinner and beverages are included and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough food is prepared.

North Bay Farmer Listening Session 2023
2023-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | FEED Cooperative, 5400 Old Redwood Hwy N., Petaluma, CA, 94954, United States
Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about your biggest challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and better support your farm. Feedback from this event and similar gatherings across the state will shape CAFF’s policy agenda for the year ahead, guiding our advocacy efforts to make sure that we’re fighting for what matters most to you.
Food and beverages provided.
This event is free and open to farmers and anyone professionally working in agriculture.
No policy experience required; just honest feedback and genuine stories from the field.
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You can also share your perspective through CAFF’s online survey here.
Learn more about CAFF’s policy positions, past and present, here.

BIFS: Marketing Direct to Consumer and Communicating your Farm’s Ecological Farming Practices
2023-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Tenderly Rooted Farm, CA, United States
Come join Community Alliance with Family Farms at Tenderly Rooted (Biggs, CA) to learn from owner Kaben Kramer about building out a Direct to Consumer (DTC) market for your valued product. Topics to be covered include working out the logistics of DTC (branding, barcoding, shipping, legal requirements, etc.) to help enable your product to reach your customer base. Focusing on marketing your ecological farming practices, Cassi Crowley of NicNut Farms will also be joining us to give her talk on climate smart farming and the how-to’s on building resilience on your farm. Both will have booths set up for attendees to see packing, cross-selling, merchandising, and the like for their respective products. In addition, Grace Perry, CAFF’s Organic Certification Specialist, will provide information about organic transition/certification resources.
Directions: We recommend using the following GPS coordinates rather than entering the street address listed above when using Google Maps: 39°23’23.9″N 121°38’04.1″W
Written directions forthcoming.

Hoes Down Harvest Festival 2023
2023-10-07 11:00 - 22:00 | Full Belly Farm, 16090 County Road 43, Guinda, CA, 95637, United States
The Hoes Down Harvest Festival is dedicated to honoring and promoting the knowledge of agricultural arts and sustainable rural living through inspiration and education. Our goals extend beyond the weekend of fun and education. For over 30 years, the Hoes Down has generated valuable resources for local and statewide organizations working on projects which benefit sustainable agriculture and rural communities.
The 2023 Hoes Down program includes:

Live music all day
Local and delicious organic food options (see the full menu here!)
Workshops: Learn about organic fruit trees, grass-fed beef, cow milking, herbs and flowers, pest control, sheep shearing, small farm equipment and more… some workshops available in Spanish!
Scheduled walking tours of Full Belly Farm
Children’s area with crafts, games, and more
Farmers and Crafts Market with local vendors of handmade gifts
Silent auction with unique items from local farms and artisans

To purchase tickets, go to the Hoes Down website: https://eco-farm.org/hoes-down-harvest-festival/2023/tickets

South Bay Urban Grower Gathering
2023-10-10 16:00 - 18:30 | Veggielution Community Farm, 647 South King Road, San Jose, CA, 95116, United States
Join us to be a part of a special convening to discuss this year’s advocacy successes, and future policies and programs at the local and state level that can support food, fiber, and flower farmers here in the greater South Bay area. This event will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and food leaders to discuss both success and barriers the agricultural community faces. Some important topics for discussion may include but are not limited to, land access, food hubs, farm cooperatives, and water resources. Free light dinner is included and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough food is prepared.
Hosted by: Veggielution & Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)

North Coast Grower Advocacy Gathering
2023-10-11 17:00 - 19:30 | The Harvest Hub, 5720 West End Road, Bldg. 2, Ste.1, Arcata, CA, 95521, United States
Join us to be a part of a special convening to discuss this year’s advocacy successes, and future policies and programs at the local and state level that can support food, fiber, and flower farmers here on the North Coast. This event will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and food leaders to discuss both success and barriers the agricultural community faces. Some important topics for discussion may include but are not limited to, land access, food hubs, farm cooperatives, and water resources. Free light dinner is included and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough food is prepared.
Hosted by: North Coast Growers’ Association(NCGA), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), the North Coast Agricultural Collaborative, and the Humboldt Food Policy Council
Featuring special guests: Jamie Fanous, Policy Director and Michelle Wyler, Farm to Market Director at CAFF for a discussion and listening session about exciting happenings at the State level regarding upcoming policy directions.

Butte County Farmer Advocacy Gathering
2023-10-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Burns Blossom Farm, 435 W 16th St, Chico, CA, 95928, United States
Join us to be part of a special farmer gathering at Burns Blossom Farm! This gathering will be a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and food leaders to discuss both success and barriers the agricultural community faces. During this event, we will share updates on 2023 policy successes for small farms and discuss 2024 policy priorities. Some important topics for discussion may include but are not limited to land access, food hubs, farm cooperatives, climate resilience, and water resources. Feedback from this event and similar gatherings across the state will shape CAFF’s policy agenda for the year ahead, guiding our advocacy efforts in Sacramento and beyond, and ensuring that we’re fighting for what matters most to you.
Free light dinner and beverages are included and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough food is prepared.
RSVP HERE

2023 Central Coast Farmer Gathering
2023-10-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Santa Ynez Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA, 93441, United States
Aspiring and current farmers, ranchers, and food producers are invited to celebrate policy wins informed by you over the last two years. Contribute thought leadership on policies for 2024 and beyond, while learning about program resources from the county and state. The intention of this event is to provide a space for convening conversations around how you can directly affect policy and systems change, while at the same time learning about resources and opportunities available to you. The last hour will feature a networking dinner with refreshments.
Los agricultores, ganaderos y productores de alimentos aspirantes y actuales están invitados a celebrar los logros políticos informados por usted durante los últimos dos años. Contribuya con liderazgo intelectual sobre políticas para 2024 y más allá, mientras aprende sobre los recursos del programa del condado y el estado. La intención de este evento es brindar un espacio para convocar conversaciones sobre cómo usted puede afectar directamente el cambio de políticas y sistemas, y al mismo tiempo aprender sobre los recursos y oportunidades disponibles para usted. La última hora contará con una cena networking con refrigerio.

San Diego County Food Vision 2030
2023-10-19 | California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, CA, 92025, United States
Join CAFF’s Policy Co-Director Jamie Fanous at the 3rd Annual Gathering of the San Diego County Food Vision 2030. Sessions will cover current issues in our region, as well as speak to the theme of kinship. We’re looking forward to unpacking what it means to transform ourselves and our systems with our relations as our guide.

Sacramento Area Grower Gathering
2023-10-23 16:00 - 18:30 | Groluv Farm, 9161 Bader Road, Elk Grove, CA, 95624, United States
Join us to be a part of a special farmer gathering in the Sacramento area at Groluv Farm in Elk Grove. This event will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow farmers, land stewards, and food leaders to discuss both success and barriers the agricultural community faces. This event will include an opportunity to tour Groluv Farm (primarily a flower farm) and participate in discussions around policy updates for small farms. Some important topics for discussion may include but are not limited to, sustainable pest management, land access, food hubs, farm cooperatives, and water resources.
Free light dinner and beverages are included and pre-registration is encouraged to ensure enough food is prepared. If you are a farmer and would like compensation for travel, please let us know.

Sierra Harvest x CAFF Listening Session
2023-10-25 | Banner Community Guild, 12629 McCourtney Rd, Grass Valley, CA, 95949, United States
Sierra Harvest and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) are teaming up to get an understanding of your needs as farmers, ranchers, and food producers in our communities!
This event is an opportunity for Sierra Harvest and CAFF to understand the barriers to success and burgeoning needs of farmers in our region, which will help shape the future of Sierra Harvest’s Farm Institute programming, and inform state policy initiatives that CAFF will introduce/support in the next legislative cycle.
Attendees will also learn about the CDFA 2023 California Farm to School Producer Grant which could award their operations up to $150,000.
Join us for dinner, drinks, discussion, networking, and information sharing.
RSVP HERE

2023 Conferencia del Agricultor Latino
2023-11-01 10:00 - 2023-11-02 16:30
La 9ª conferencia anual Creciendo Juntos Conferencia de Agricultor Latino se celebrará los días 1 y 2 de noviembre en el Valle Central de California.
El primer día de la conferencia incluirá presentaciones técnicas en el Robert Cabral Ag Center. Seguiremos con el segundo día en el campo, tomaremos un autobus para pasar el dia en dos granjas locales. El Centro Nacional de Tecnología Apropiada (NCAT) y el Servicio de Conservación de Recursos Naturales del USDA (NRCS) se complacen en presentar esta conferencia anual estatal sobre agricultura sostenible para agricultores de habla hispana. Esta conferencia reúne a la comunidad agrícola latina, la industria agrícola y los defensores de la sostenibilidad y los agronegocios durante dos días de talleres, redes y aprendizaje con otros agricultores.
La colaboración entre el NCAT, el USDA, los patrocinadores e innumerables socios y ponentes ha aportado información educativa relevante y de alta calidad directamente a la comunidad latina de California y más allá. Ayúdenos en todo lo que pueda difundiendo la información y compartiendo nuestros anuncios con los agricultores que conozca. También considere patrocinar o asistir a nuestras reuniones de socios para compartir sus pensamientos. ¡Nos vemos allí!
Tenga en cuenta que todos los talleres se impartirán únicamente en español.
REGISTRARSE AQUÍ

What Does Regenerative Agriculture Mean?
2023-11-02 18:00 - 20:30 | Sebastopol Grange Hall, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, United States
Terms like “carbon farming,” “sustainable agriculture,” and “regenerative” are used a lot these days, but what do they really mean? What practices do they refer to and what impacts do these terms have? In recent years, many have begun attempting to distill “regenerative” into specific definitions, policies and certifications.
In this public forum, aimed primarily at those working in agriculture, we’ll explore these questions. Come learn about the various movements to define it, including where these definitions diverge, and join us in a conversation about the best use for these terms, whether for farmers, consumers or those crafting important policies.
Please bring a dish to share and your own eating utensils.
Speakers Include:

Sara Tiffany, Director of Ecological Farming, CAFF
Leonard Diggs, Director of Farmer & Rancher Opportunities, Pie Ranch
Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director, Regenerative Organic Alliance
Tommy Fenster, Ecdysis Foundation

Dia de los Muertos – Farmer Gathering & Celebration
2023-11-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Aromas Grange Hall, 400 Rose Avenue Aromas, Aromas, CA, 95004, United States
We invite you to join us for a very special evening at the Aromas Grange in Aromas. Gather in community to honor ancestors, celebrate those that have passed, and share blessings with the living alongside farmers and community members. Through the changing of the seasons and tilling of fields, farmers are deeply tied to cycles of life and death. During dia de Los Muertos, we are all invited to bear witness to this sacred connection and hold space in our hearts for all that has passed from this world to the next.
ACCESS TO THIS EVENT IS FREE, AND DINNER WILL BE SERVED.
The Menu is as follows: Mole with Chicken, Rice, Beans, Tortillas, Sweet Bread, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Water.
RVSP HERE

GoGreen Business Energy Financing Program Informational Webinar
2023-11-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Concerned about increased energy costs on your farm or business? You may benefit from the State of California’s GoGreen Business Energy Financing program, which offers support for small and medium-sized businesses in California to invest in energy-saving building retrofits and installations, including pump motors, refrigeration, and horticultural lighting. Look online for a comprehensive list of pre-qualified energy-saving measures organized by category.
Through the GoGreen Business program, eligible businesses—both property owners and tenants—can access private financing with exceptional terms for projects from $5,000 to $5 million. Right now, select participating finance companies are currently offering reduced interest rates as low as 0 percent.
CCOF will host an informational webinar on the GoGreen Business Energy Financing program on Tuesday, November 7, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pre-register online.
Eligible applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

One hundred or fewer employees
Annual revenues of less than $15 million
Meet Small Business Administration (SBA) small business size requirements (i.e., annual revenues from $1 million to $41.5 million, depending on industry)

In addition, the business must receive service from an investor-owned utility: See this map for coverage.
The program is open to cannabis growers as well as other types of agricultural and food businesses.
Please join us for this informational webinar. Contact memberservices@ccof.org for additional information.

2023 Small Farm Tech Expo
2023-11-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 9240 S Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA, 93648, United States
We are excited to invite you to the relaunch of the Small Farm Tech Expo, an event co-hosted by CAFF and UC ANR, where we delve into the world of ag technologies tailored for small-scale farms.
The following technology categories will be highlighted: weed management, irrigation, small robots (electric carts, semi-autonomous tractors, etc), cold storage, seeding & harvesting tools & attachments, and much more!
Event Highlights:

Demo site: Live demonstration of small farm technologies, carefully curated to enhance various farm production areas, like weed management tools, irrigation systems, cooling equipment, and more.
Exhibitors: Meet with technology companies and organizations who support small farmers – from open-source production management software to a portable CoolBot trailer.
Networking Lunch: After the demos, connect with a network of like-minded farmers, visit with exhibitors and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Grants & Resources: Learn about available grants and resources available that will help you access and purchase tools and equipment.
Spanish, Hmong, Punjabi & Iu Mien interpretation available

Agenda:

9:00 – 10:00am: Doors open for registration and equipment viewing with vendors/exhibitors.
10:00am: Program begins: Group Assignments & Loading into Tram
10:30 – 12:30pm: Field demonstration rotations – different groups will rotate through three field demonstrations on weed control, small robots and irrigation moisture sensors.
12:45 – 1:00pm: Break
1:00 – 1:45pm: Lunch and vendor visits
1:45pm – 2:00pm: Grant opportunities for buying equipment
2:00pm – 2:15pm: Walk to sessions
2:15-3:00pm: Feedback sessions in small groups & farmer networking time

Who Should Attend? This event is catered to small-scale growers and tools have been prioritized for diversified vegetables & row crop producers. Whether you are already an experienced farmer or planning to step into the world of farming, this event is designed to benefit all.
Please note that space is limited and small farm owners and farm worker registrations are being prioritized.
Registration and Sponsorship: Attendance to our Demo Day is completely free of charge thanks to grant funding and supportive partners. If you are a tech company interested in participating, kindly email us at maria@caff.org.
Refreshments and Lunch: Light breakfast, refreshments, and lunch will be provided to keep you energized and ready to explore the latest agricultural technologies.

African American Farming Practices & Farm to Market 101
2023-12-02 09:00 - 11:00 | AAFC Demonstration Farm, 7160 W California Ave, Fresno, CA, 93706, United States
Join us as we celebrate the richness of African American Farming traditions with farmers at the African American Farmers of California (AAFC) Demonstration Farm Site in Fresno.
During this workshop, participants will learn from farmers about specific Fall and Winter crops, their cultivation practices and some recipes specific to the African American community utilizing the harvest.
In addition, we will provide a base level understanding of Farm to Market 101 for beginning farmers and farmers in the making. Farm to Market 101 covers the 5 most commonly used markets by small/family scale farmers and best practices for successful use/access to them.
This includes: Farmers Markets, Community Supported Agriculture, Selling Direct to Wholesale, Selling to Direct to Retail and Selling Direct to Schools/School Districts.
We look forward to seeing you and learning together in community with you soon!

Cover Cropping and Livestock Grazing for Regenerative Viticulture
2023-12-05 10:00 - 13:00 | LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard, Acampo, CA, United States
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) invites you to a free, in-person event with the LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard in Acampo, CA. We will discuss cover cropping and integrated livestock grazing in vineyards as part of a systems approach to land management.
Kendra Altnow and Maria Zumkeller with LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard will talk about Project Terra, their collection of initiatives that demonstrate and communicate the positive impact of regenerative agriculture using systems approach principles. They will share their experience with cover cropping and integrated sheep grazing, and the considerations to have when planning and implementing these practices. We will also hear from their partners and how important collaboration is to farming regeneratively.
Speakers:
Kendra Altnow, Sustainability Manager at LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard
Maria Zumkeller, Technical Vineyard Manager at LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard
Chris Storm, PCA with Starr and Storm Crop Solutions
Ross Mulrooney, Valley Grazing
Bonnie Eyestone, Working Lands Conservation Director at Pt. Blue
Tommy Fenster, Researcher with the Gaudin Lab at UC Davis
Additional resources from:
Kamprath Seeds, NRCS, Lodi Rules
Details:
1 hour of INMP CEUs available
This event is at the LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard in Acampo, CA. The exact coordinates to meet are here.

Lunch will be provided.
We will be outdoors, so please make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for potential rain.

Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE): Information for Food Hubs Webinar
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Are you a food hub that handles certified-organic products?
Join us for an informal webinar on Wednesday, December 6th, 12-1pm to learn more about the new organic rule, Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE), and how it may affect your food hub operation. We’ll be joined by representatives from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), who will share basic information about SOE and answer questions from attendees (food hub operators).
Register for the webinar HERE.
What is SOE?
SOE is a regulation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). SOE amends the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations by strengthening oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic agricultural products. SOE protects integrity in the organic supply chain and builds consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, and providing robust enforcement of the USDA organic regulations.
Why does SOE matter to my food hub?
SOE is the biggest change in organic rules since 2002. The National Organic Program (NOP) is narrowing the criteria for operations that are exempt from organic certification. If you are non-exempt, you will need to apply for an organic handling certificate, which can take at least 3 months. If you are exempt, you may need to take steps to properly handle certified organic products. The deadline for compliance with SOE is March 19, 2024.
Why should I attend the webinar?
We’re offering a unique opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SOE to CCOF, an organic certifying agency, and learn from other food hubs in attendance. We’re expecting a small group of food hubs and plenty of time for Q&A.
What will I learn at the webinar?

Basic information about the SOE rule
Information that will help you determine whether your food hub is exempt or non-exempt (in other words, whether your food hub needs to get organic handling certification)
How to apply for organic certification if you are non-exempt
Actions you may need to take if you are handling certified organic products but are exempt
Pricing for organic certification, including discounted options
How to access resources about SOE and organic certification

Who should attend the webinar?
This webinar is intended for food hub managers and operators and will have information about organic handling regulations. The focus of this session is to offer food hub-specific information and give food hubs an opportunity to ask questions directly to an organic certifying agency.
This webinar is organized by: CA Food Hub Network at University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UC SAREP) and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
Note: UC SAREP and CAFF are not organic regulators or certifiers, but rather provide educational information and resources on the topic of SOE.
Questions about the webinar?
Contact Alicia Baddorf, CA Food Hub Network coordinator
akbaddorf@ucanr.edu | 530-786-0571

Scaling Up for Wholesale
2023-12-07 10:00 - 14:00 | North Coast Growers Association Farmers’ Market, 5720 West End Rd Building #2, Arcata, CA, 95521, United States
Join us in this workshop that we are putting together in collaboration with the North Coast Growers Association. It’s an ideal opportunity for farmers who are in their first 3-5 years of farming and are interested in scaling up their production to be able to sell wholesale through the Harvest Hub or directly to wholesale buyers.
-Agenda-
Wholesale Basics : Josefina from CAFF will give an overview of the pros and cons of wholesale so you can determine if this is right for your business
Meet Your Buyers : Megan from NCGA and Christine from Humboldt Soup Company/The Hood will share the expectations that many wholesale buyers have when working with local farmers
Panel : Local farmers will share their journey of including wholesale in their business model
-Lunch Break (lunch will be provided)-
Determining Wholesale Prices : Learn some tips on how to price your wholesale items vs your direct sale items
Please RSVP by clicking the button below so we get a head count for lunch and are able to accommodate your dietary restrictions.
Please RSVP Here

Food Safety Field Day / Día de campo sobre inocuidad alimentaria
2023-12-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Vivian Hwang Farm, 4446 S Elm Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93706, United States
Join Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) for a free, in-person food safety field day with Vivian Hwang Farm in Fresno, CA. We will discuss and demonstrate how to implement requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule (FSMA PSR). Topics and demonstrations include water testing, employee training, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and recordkeeping.
Details:

Lunch is provided
This event will be in Spanish, Hmong and English, and interpretation will be provided for attendees. Spanish interpretation provided by Linguistica Interpreting and Translation, LLC.
Space is limited, so please register by Wednesday, December 6th to secure your spot.
We will be walking and standing for most of the event, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for sun and heat.

For more information, contact Grace Perry, CAFF’s Organic Certification Specialist: grace[at]caff.org, 404.405.7933.

Unase a Alianza Comunitaria con Pequeños Agricultores (CAFF por sus siglas en Inglés) en un dia de campo sobre la seguridad alimentaria en la granja. Aprenda sobre la implementación de los Estándares para el cultivo, cosecha, empaque, y almacenamiento de los productos agrícolas frescos para el consumo humano (FSMA PSR por sus siglas en Inglés). Vivian Hwang nos dará un recorrido por su granja y discutirá las prácticas de seguridad alimentaria de su granja. El evento va tocar sobre los temas de pruebas de agua, entrenamiento para sus empleados, limpieza, desinfección, y mantenimiento de registros. Habrá demostraciones de los temas.
Detalles:

Almuerzo incluido
Este evento será en español, hmong, e ingles. Se ofrece interpretación para los que asisten. Interpretación al español por Linguistica Interpreting and Translation, LLC.
El espacio es limitado, así que registrarse antes del miércoles 6 de Diciembre para asegurar su lugar.
Caminaremos y estaremos de pie durante la mayor parte del evento, asi que asegúrese de usar zapatos cómodos y vestirse para el sol y el calor.

Para más información, póngase en contacto con Grace Perry: grace[at]caff.org, 404.405.7933.

Value-Added Producer Grant Scholarship Webinar
2024-01-09 16:00 - 17:30
Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, January 9th from 4:00-5:30pm to learn about the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant program and how to apply for the CAFF VAPG scholarship program.
Register for the webinar HERE
Do you sell your produce as organic, local, free range, grass fed, etc. OR make a value-added product from your produce? Are you interested in exploring the feasibility of doing so? The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) provides funding to farmers (and other qualified stakeholders) that can be used towards producing a value-added product.
CAFF is reopening our VAPG scholarship program to help support farmers with VAPG applications. The scholarship offsets the cost of one-on-one grant writing with Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. If awarded, farmers will work with Ellen to plan out an eligible project, construct a fundable budget for up to $49,998 worth of government funding, and write a complete grant application.

The first 30 people that register for the event will also receive a free annual membership to Farm Common’s membership – valued at $99! The Farm Commons portal offers access to loads of legal education resources and interactive discussion boards. They also have resources related to value added product legal education.

Note: By signing up for this webinar you will be added to the email list of Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. You can opt out of emails at any time.

Healthy Soils Program Info Session
2024-01-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering Healthy Soils Incentives Grants through the Healthy Soils Program (HSP).
HSP grants promote the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands, providing financial incentives through reimbursements paid directly to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gasses, and improve soil health.
The application period is open from January 22nd – February 9th, 2024.
JOIN THE ZOOM SESSION

Healthy Soils Program Information Session
2024-01-16 14:00 - 16:00
CAFF invites you to a free informational webinar on January 16th from 2-4pm to learn about the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) 2024 Healthy Soils Program. The Healthy Soils Program provides incentives grants to California farmers and ranchers to implement Healthy Soils Practices. The application period will be open January 22nd through February 9th, or until the funding runs out. We welcome all farmers and ranchers who are interested in applying, want to learn more or have questions about the application. For those who cannot attend, the webinar will be recorded.
Please click here to register for and join the webinar session.

Sesión Informativa del Programa de Suelos Saludables
2024-01-17 16:00 - 17:30
¡Venga aprender sobre las Subvenciones a través del programa de Suelos Saludables (HSP) ofrecido por El Departamento de Alimentación y Agricultura de California (CDFA). Se otorgarán subvenciones de hasta $100,000 en forma de reembolsos directos a agricultores y ganaderos de California para implementar prácticas que mejoren la salud del suelo. El periodo de solicitud es solo tres semanas, del 22 de Enero al 9 de Febrero ¡así que prepárese con los documentos de su solicitud! Dalia Rodriguez, coordinadora con CAFF, tendrá una sesión informativa por zoom el 17 de Enero de 4 a 5:30 de la tarde.
Únase a la sesión con este enlace
Familiarícese con las preguntas de la solicitud aquí:
Vista previa de las preguntas de la solicitud para HSP 2024 (Español)
Si tiene preguntas, por favor de contactar a Dalia Rodriguez por correo electrónico dalia@caff.org o por teléfono (323) 423-4075
¡Gracias!

CA Small Farm Conference
2024-02-26 - 2024-03-01 | Online & In-Person (various locations)
The 36th annual California Small Farm Conference is a week of learning, inspiration and movement-building. Our hybrid conference features 60 online workshops, interactive forums, and in-person gatherings around the state. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, new to agriculture or just an advocate for local food, there’s something for you.
