Elderberry Harvesting, Handling, & Processing: Interactive Workshop on Best Practices for Food Safety
2024-08-16 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Elderberries offer farmers an opportunity to diversify both the landscape and their farm offerings. At this interactive workshop, with a focus on food safety best practices, you’ll learn about harvesting, post-harvest handling, and processing elderberries on a small scale; and the types of equipment you can use for these processes. Experts in food safety from the UC Davis Department of Food Science and Technology will discuss cleaning and sanitation, harvest hygiene, animal intrusion monitoring, systems for washing and destemming elderberries, elderberry drying protocols, and more.
Who should attend:

Small-scale elderberry growers and value-added processors, or those who are considering starting.
Small-mid scale fruit growers interested in familiarizing themselves with basic food safety practices and value-added product processes.

This wokshop is limited to 20 participants. If you are interested in attending and are in a different role (e.g., technical assistance or farmer service provider), please do not register and instead email: akbaddorf@ucanr.edu
Participants will learn:

Methods and food safety best practices for harvesting, handling, drying, and processing elderberries
Equipment that can be used for these processes
How to make elderberry jam

When:
Friday, August 16th, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where:
Davis, CA 95616 (exact location to be shared with registrants)
Registration: https://elderberry-workshop-2024.eventbrite.com
Cost:
There is no charge for the workshop, but parking is $16.
Lunch will be provided, along with light snacks and water. Long pants and close-toed shoes are required. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.) is strongly recommended, since a portion ofthe day will be spent outside.

Ventas de la Granja a la Escuela
2024-08-18 18:30 - 20:00
¡Únase a nosotros para aprender más sobre las ventas a las escuelas! En este taller repasaremos lo que son las ventas a las escuelas y como entrar a este mercado.
Join CAFF’s Farm-to-School Workshop to learn more about farm-to-school sales! We will give an overview of the farm-to-school landscape and discuss how to create and maintain relationships with schools.

Voluntary Well Monitoring Program Information Session: Sonoma County
2024-08-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
In this session you will learn more about the current groundwater basin conditions, get a tour of the new Sonoma County Groundwater Data Dashboard, learn how the well monitor sounder device works and how to submit information to the online portal and more. If you already track water levels and are interested in submitting data, we will cover that too. These sessions will provide an opportunity for local well-owners to ask questions and learn more about the program. (Webinar will be recorded)
JOIN ON ZOOM HERE
More info: SonomaCountyGroundwater.org/voluntary-monitoring

CAFF's Summer Soiree
2024-08-24 16:00 - 20:00 | Full Belly Farm, 16090 County Road 43, Guinda, CA, 95637, United States
A farm-to-table benefit for regenerative agriculture, local food & family farms, featuring dinner, live music & more! Hosted at Full Belly Farm in Guinda, CA.

Seed Saving 2.0
2024-08-29 08:00 - 17:00
Take your seed-saving and on-farm breeding skills to the next level with our upcoming workshop! This event, taught by Kristyn Leach of Second Generation Seeds and Samantha Hilborn-Naluai of Rodale Institute, New Mexico, is a must for any farmer looking to enhance their expertise.
This workshop is designed for farmers with some background in seed saving. It focuses on refining techniques to support climate-adaptive and culturally appropriate crops and varieties.
Coordinated by Ellie Andrews (UCCE Specialty Crops Advisor) and Layla Aguilar (CAFF Ecological Farming Specialist), this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Tap the link in our bio or https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=43368 to get your ticket.

Farmer Funding / CUSP Drought Grant Office Hours
2024-09-10 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join us for our weekly drop-in funding office hours, where you can ask questions about using the CAFF Farmer Funding Database or applying for the Fall 2024 CUSP Drought Relief grant.
Click on the Zoom link under “Website” below, or go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85972981212 at the time of the meeting to join.

Conversación sobre políticas agrícolas
2024-09-10 18:00 - 19:30 | United Way Monterey County, Monterey Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
La Alianza Comunitaria de Agricultores de California te invita a una conversación sobre las pólizas agrícolas. ¿Eres un agricultor con ideas para la legislatura estatal? ¡Queremos escucharlos! Venga a hablar con nosotros sobre el trabajo político de la Alianza Comunitaria con Agricultores Familiares (CAFF). Además, hablaremos un poco sobre las becas para la asistencia de alivio de la sequía (CUSP). En agradecimiento por compartir sus pensamientos, pagaremos $100 por cada agricultor que asista.

Vitis and Ovis Farm Tour and Discussion: Adaptations to Climate Extremes in the Capay Valley
2024-09-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Capay Valley, CA, California, 95627, United States
Join us for a walking tour of Vitis and Ovis Farm, a highly diversified regenerative farm in the Capay Valley, followed by an open discussion about adaptations to drought, extreme temperatures, and other “climate extremes”. Learn how Vitis and Ovis integrate ducks in their vineyard and orchards, their strategies for water capture and water use efficiency, and other benefits to their diversified approach. We will all gather after the tour to brainstorm and share innovative approaches to farming in the face of our changing climate. (CAFF staff will be on hand to share information about the current state of water policy in CA.)

F3 Local Food Marketing Webinar
2024-09-30 16:30 - 17:00
Join us to learn more about the F3 Local Marketing Campaign and discover how you can play a vital role in its success.
We’re building a brand that will elevate the value of food grown in the Central Valley, ensuring more of it is sold locally. With your involvement, we can create a powerful marketing campaign that not only supports our farmers but also provides the community with straightforward ways to participate.
Let’s work together to harness the momentum and make a lasting impact on local agriculture.

Growing Success Webinar Series: Grants for Producers (with Agricultural Institute of Marin)
2024-10-01 15:30 - 17:00 | Webinar
Join AIM and our partners as we explore various topics to support small farms, ranches, food businesses, and artisans over the next few months.
Join us for the first webinar of the series, designed for farmers, to introduce CAFF’s online Farmer Funding Database grant resource tool and our CUSP Drought Relief grants.
Register here to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kf-yhrTMqE9ZJfflJij8LTPxqE6ShS3Nn
Spanish interpretation will be available.

North Bay Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-10-08 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 challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to better support your farm. Feedback from this event 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 but is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employees.
No policy experience required; just honest feedback and genuine stories from the field.
Spanish translation provided! Please spread the word to your Spanish-speaking colleagues!

Agricultural Business 101 Workshop
2024-10-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Vision View, East Clinton Way, Fresno, CA, 93727, United States
Are you looking to develop your business management skills to grow your operation? In this workshop local rancher, Rizpah Bellard, will present on the fundamentals of managing a successful agricultural business.
The topics may include business plan development, taxes and documenting costs of production and revenue generation.
Please complete the RSVP in order to attend, your responses will be used to craft the content for this workshop.

Los Angeles Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-10-21 16:00 - 18:00 | SOW Collective, Sunburst Street, Los Angeles, CA, 91331, United States
(Español abajo)

Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to better support your farm. Feedback from this event 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. We’ll share a bit about what we’ve done in the past year, including our urban agriculture policy work and grants program.
Food and beverages provided.
This event is free but is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employees.
This event will be in English with Spanish translation provided. Please notify us if an additional language translation service would help you to attend this event.
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Cada año, CAFF invita a los agricultores a unirse a nosotros para una conversación informal sobre desafíos, inquietudes e ideas para mejorar nuestro sistema alimentario y agrícola y apoyar mejor su granja. Los comentarios de este evento darán forma a la agenda política de CAFF para el próximo año, guiando nuestros esfuerzos de promoción para asegurarnos de que luchamos por lo que más le importa a usted. Compartiremos un poco sobre lo que hemos hecho el año pasado, incluido nuestro trabajo en políticas de agricultura urbana y nuestro programa de becas.
Se proporcionan alimentos y bebidas.
Este evento es gratuito pero está abierto solo a agricultores: esto incluye propietarios, administradores y empleados de granjas.
El evento será en inglés con traducción al español. Notifíquenos si un servicio de traducción de idiomas adicional le ayudaría a asistir a este evento.

Farm Grants 101
2024-10-23 16:30 - 17:30 | The Fresno Center, East Kings Canyon Road 4879, Fresno, CA, 93727, United States
Are you a farmer looking to access grants and resources to support your operation? Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to bridge the gap in grant opportunities, especially for underrepresented communities like our Southeast Asian (SEA) farmers.
At a recent F3 Partner Gathering, LeeXeng from Fresno BIPOC Produce shared, “My people are always the last ones to know about grants and resource opportunities.” While many programs focus on language courses and general farming resources, few address the need for farmers to gain confidence in grant writing. This workshop will tackle exactly that!
What you’ll learn:

How to navigate and utilize CAFF resources effectively
Basic tips for finding and applying to grants
Guidance on the CAFF Directory to identify funding opportunities
Practical steps to enhance your applications

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to access vital grants and improve your farm’s sustainability.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your farm’s future! Whether you’re new to grants or just need a refresher, this workshop is for you.

Urban Ag Microgrants Info Session
2024-10-30 11:00 - 12:00
Calling CA’s urban growers! CAFF will be distributing another round of $10K microgrants to growers throughout California, funded by CDFA and USDA. These microgrants will provide funds for projects that may need financial support to implement and are rooted in community-focused food production. Priority being given to operations led by and/or serve historically underserved urban communities in Fresno, Inland Empire, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. These microgrants will launch October 15th and the application will be available on our website. Join our virtual info session on October 30th at 11 AM PST to learn more about these grants.

Webinar: Online Sales & Marketing for your CSA
2024-10-30 13:00 - 14:00
Are you hoping to improve your marketing techniques and see an increase in your online sales for your CSA business? We’ll present several educational materials and various options to support your goals in this CSA Ideas Lab session. Bring your questions for a robust discussion of sales approaches!
The CSA Innovation Network has an e-commerce report that we’ll revisit to show you all of the various platforms that exist, and CAFF has a new e-commerce assessment tool that can help you decide what might work best for you. Taste the Local Difference has many resources, tips, and tricks to provide you ample opportunity to up your marketing game and make those online sales regardless of which platform you use. We will have featured guests from Local Line and Farmhand available to answer your questions about their support for CSA businesses. So, join us to learn all about online sales and marketing for CSAs!

Organic Transition Learning Day
2024-11-07 08:30 - 13:00 | Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 9240 S Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA, 93648, United States
*ESPAÑOL ABAJO*
The Organic Transition Learning Day is designed to empower small-scale and BIPOC farmers in the Central Valley by providing them with the knowledge and resources needed to transition to organic farming. This event aims to create an inclusive environment where farmers can explore the benefits of organic practices, gain insights from experienced practitioners, and connect with local organizations offering support.
Event Highlights:
* Educational Workshops: Learn about the benefits and logistics of transitioning to organic farming.
* Success Stories: Hear from farmers who are transitioning and have successfully made the transition.
* Resource Fair: Connect with resource and technical assistance providers who can offer valuable support and services.
* Language Accessibility: English, Spanish, and Hmong interpretation services will be available to ensure inclusivity.
* Meals: A light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided for all attendees.
Whether you’re currently farming conventionally or are already on your journey to organic, this event is designed to provide valuable insights and foster a supportive community.
This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) State Organic Program & Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation. TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).
This event in co-created by CAFF and the UC Organic Agriculture Institute.
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El Día de Aprendizaje de la Transición Orgánica está diseñado para empoderar a los agricultores a pequeña escala y a los agricultores BIPOC (de comunidades negras, indígenas y personas de color) en el Valle Central, proporcionándoles el conocimiento y los recursos necesarios para hacer la transición a la agricultura orgánica. Este evento busca crear un ambiente inclusivo donde los agricultores puedan explorar los beneficios de las prácticas orgánicas, obtener conocimientos de practicantes con experiencia y conectarse con organizaciones locales que ofrecen apoyo.
Aspectos Destacados del Evento:

Talleres Educativos: Aprende sobre los beneficios y la logística de la transición a la agricultura orgánica.
Historias de Éxito: Escucha a agricultores que están en proceso de transición o que ya la han completado con éxito.
Feria de Recursos: Conéctate con proveedores de asistencia técnica y recursos que pueden ofrecer apoyo y servicios valiosos.
Accesibilidad Lingüística: Habrá servicios de interpretación en inglés, español y hmong para garantizar la inclusión.
Comidas: Se ofrecerá un desayuno ligero, almuerzo y refrigerios para todos los asistentes.

Ya sea que estés cultivando de manera convencional o ya estés en el camino hacia lo orgánico, este evento está diseñado para proporcionar valiosos conocimientos y fomentar una comunidad de apoyo.
Este trabajo está respaldado por el Programa de Transición a Orgánico (TOPP) del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) y el Programa Orgánico del Estado y la Oficina de Agricultura Ambiental e Innovación del Departamento de Alimentos y Agricultura de California (CDFA). TOPP es un programa de la Iniciativa de Transición Orgánica del USDA y está administrado por el Programa Nacional Orgánico (NOP) del Servicio de Comercialización Agrícola (AMS) del USDA.
Este evento es co-creado por CAFF y el Instituto de Agricultura Orgánica de la UC.

Stockton Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Huddle Cowork, North San Joaquin Street, Stockton, California, 95202, United States
(Español abajo)

Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to better support your farm. Feedback from this event 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 but is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employees.
This event will be in English with Spanish translation provided. Please notify us if an additional language translation service would help you to attend this event.
###

Cada año, CAFF invita a los agricultores a unirse a nosotros para una conversación informal sobre desafíos, inquietudes e ideas para mejorar nuestro sistema alimentario y agrícola y apoyar mejor su granja. Los comentarios de este evento darán forma a la agenda política de CAFF para el próximo año, guiando nuestros esfuerzos de promoción para asegurarnos de que luchamos por lo que más le importa a usted.
Se proporcionan alimentos y bebidas.
Este evento es gratuito pero está abierto solo a agricultores: esto incluye propietarios, administradores y empleados de granjas.
El evento será en inglés con traducción al español. Notifíquenos si un servicio de traducción de idiomas adicional le ayudaría a asistir a este evento.

Happy Valley Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Oliveview Farm, Telephone Gulch Road, Anderson, California, 96007, United States

Bakersfield Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Murray Family Farms, General Beale Road, Arvin, California, 93203, United States

Dia de Campo e Inocuidad Alimentaria
2024-11-13 09:00 - 13:00
Únase a la Alianza Comunitaria con los Agricultores Familiares (CAFF, por sus siglas en inglés) para un día de campo en la operación agrícola Luna Farm.
Samuel Luna de Luna’s Farm nos dará un recorrido por su operación agrícola y después escucharemos a Samuel y a otros agricultores que han pasado recientemente las auditorías GAP del USDA. Aprenderemos sobre lo que se necesita para obtener una certificación USDA GAP de inocuidad alimentaria para su operación agrícola. Después del día de campo, se ofrecerá un almuerzo.
Para unirse a este evento, por favor súmese a nuestro grupo de Whatsapp para la Costa Central.

Fresno Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, 1940 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA, 93703, United States
Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to support your farm better. Feedback from this event will shape CAFF’s policy agenda for the year ahead, guiding our advocacy efforts to ensure that we’re fighting for what matters most to you. We’ll share a bit about what we’ve done in the past year, including our urban agriculture policy work and grants program.
Food and beverages provided and $50 stipends available for farmers who attend.

This event is free but is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employee.

San Bernardino / Redlands Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Old Grove Orange, Alessandro Road, Redlands, California, 92373, United States

Virtual Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-19 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to better support your farm. Feedback from this event 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.
This event is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employees.

Sacramento Farmer Listening Session 2024
2024-11-21 15:00 - 17:30 | Root 64, 64th Street 4971, Sacramento, CA, 95820, United States
Every year CAFF invites farmers to join us for a casual conversation about challenges, concerns, and ideas to improve our food and agricultural system and to better support your farm. Feedback from this event 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. We’ll share a bit about what we’ve done in the past year, including our urban agriculture policy work and grants program.
Discussion will follow short farm tour. Please dress for being outdoors. Food and beverages provided.
This event is free but is open only to farmers: this includes farm owners, managers, & farm employees.

Mt. Diablo Listening Session
2024-12-05 15:00 - 17:00
Calling all small produce farms in the Mt. Diablo Region (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties).
Kamyar Aram with UC Cooperative Extension and Hanna Kahl with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) invite you to a listening session for a casual conversation about your challenges, concerns, and ideas.
This is an opportunity for us to learn how our programs could better support your needs. It’s also a great chance to meet other small-scale growers in the region.
We will mainly focus on pest management, but other interests are welcome.
This session will mainly address the needs of those who grow a variety of produce for sale mostly through U-pick, farmstand, and/or farmers market on around ten acres or less, but all interested growers are welcome.

Small Farm Tech Expo
2024-12-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Kingsburg Historical Park, Sierra Street 2321, Kingsburg, CA, 93631, United States
Join us for the 4th Small Farm Tech Expo, where innovative technology meets small-scale agriculture. Whether you’re growing 20 acres of row crops or just tending a quarter acre market garden, come learn about practical, impactful and appropriately scaled Ag Technology.

Orchard and Vineyard Redevelopment Considerations Workshop
2025-01-17 08:45 - 12:00 | Robert Cabral Agricultural Center, 2101 East Earhart Avenue, Stockton, CA, 95206, United States
Learn more about the regulations, funding opportunities, and other management practices related to removing and redeveloping orchards and vineyards at this workshop hosted by the San Joaquin Resource Conservation District.
CAFF is collaborating with San Joaquin Resource Conservation District on this event and will be moderating a farmer panel.
Register Here

Go Organic! Sacramento
2025-01-31 09:30 - 12:00 | UCCE Sacramento, 4145 Branch Center Rd, Sacramento, CA, 95827, United States
Go Organic!

Join us to learn about certified organic agriculture.

January 31, 2025
9:30am – 12:00pm
UCCE Sacramento
4145 Branch Center Rd

Free Worksop, lunch included

RSVP to reserve your lunch using this form or by contacting:
Margaret Lloyd, 530-564-8642
Ge Moua, 414-369-1932 – Kuv hais lush hmoob
Fam Fin Lee, 530-312-6043 – lu Mienh

Agenda:

Organic farmer perspectives
What is organic certification?
What farm practices must change for vegetable and strawberry systems to become organic?
Why go organic? A marketing perspective
How to become certified organic
Organic technical and financial resources

2025 California Small Farm Conference
2025-02-24 08:00 - 2025-02-28 17:00 | Hybrid: Online + In-person, various locations statewide
Save the date for the 37th annual California Small Farm Conference, a week of learning, inspiration and movement-building for anyone involved in local food, sustainable agriculture, and small farms. Our hybrid conference features over 60 online workshops and in-person gatherings at multiple venues around the state.
