California Farmers, Farmworkers & Food System Advocates: Standing Together in Uncertain Times

In the wake of this week’s election, we at Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) know that our country and California’s agricultural community now face a period of uncertainty. Federal programs and agencies that support our farmers, particularly small-scale and sustainability-focused farmers, may soon be in flux, while immigrant farmers and farmworkers could be at […]

Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program

The cooperative agreements allow the states, tribes and territories to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, unique to their geographic areas and that meet the needs of the population. The food will serve feeding programs, including food banks, schools and organizations that reach underserved communities. In addition to […]

¿Barreras a latinos que solicitan programas de agricultura inteligente?

Para mitigar el impacto de la crisis climática en la producción de alimentos el gobierno federal dedicó fondos multimillonarios a promover la agricultura climáticamente inteligente. En el productivo Valle de San Joaquín, en California, hay recursos federales y estatales para este fin. Aunque algunos agricultores latinos de la región han tenido éxito utilizando esos recursos […]

Family Farmers say YES on Proposition 4

From heatwaves to wildfires, drought to flood, farmers confront climate change long before most people do. Weather extremes have lately made farming an even more risky business. And if California doesn’t take action now, it’ll only get worse. Which is why family farmers see in Prop 4 a major step towards tackling the impacts of […]

Women Innovators for Small Farm Technology

Meet the trailblazing women who are revolutionizing technology for small farms, one ingenious solution at a time. Three women are paving the way forward and helping to define what appropriate technology innovation means for the small farm.  Small farms are often overlooked in the innovation space due to their size and unique scale of operation […]

Understanding Biological Cross-Contamination: Trainer Lesson Plan

This resource is geared towards technical service providers and/or farm managers looking to do an interactive and memorable activity with farmers. Farmers are able to visualize the spread of biological contamination and discuss risk assessment details to keep in mind. Download the free resource here.

Botiquín de primeros auxilios para operaciones agrícolas con códigos QR

El botiquín de primeros auxilios estándar que se puede conseguir en una farmacia, muchas veces no es suficiente para el uso en una operación agrícola. Este recurso proporciona una lista de otros suministros que probablemente desee tener a mano además de un botiquín de primeros auxilios estándar. El recurso también tiene códigos QR que puedes […]

Kits de limpieza y desinfección con códigos QR

Este recurso contiene suministros clave que son necesarios para la limpieza y desinfección en las operaciones agrícolas. Por favor escanear los códigos QR para navegar a enlaces directos que contienen opciones donde puede comprar estos productos. Descargue el recurso aquí.

Curious about ag technology? Video resources for your farm business

If you’re looking to enhance your farm business with practical digital tools, our Tech Hub playlist on YouTube is a valuable resource. With over 40 videos available on demand, you’ll find a wealth of information tailored to help you succeed. Topics include: – Digital marketing strategies to boost your online presence – Farm mapping techniques […]

Food is Family

Food isn’t just food, it’s a thread that connects people, tradition, and a way of life. We’re committed to ensuring that all families can participate in and benefit from the shared experience of good, nourishing food

Growing Urban Agriculture: Spring 2024 Microgrant Recipients​

Community Alliance with Family Farmers, in partnership with the Farm Service Agency, Veggielution, Agroecology Commons, the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, and Food Access LA, are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Growing Urban Agriculture microgrants for the Spring of 2024. This initiative, designed to support innovative and impactful urban agriculture projects, received an […]

Urban Agriculture in Orange County: Gospel Swamp Farm and The Ecology Center

  In this episode we travel to Southern California to meet with Samuel Guitron of Gospel Swamp Farm in Santa Ana and Johnny Wilson from The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano to talk all about Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, in urban farms. You’ll also hear about how soil health is monitored using potatoes […]

Electrify your farm! Financial incentives to purchase electric equipment

Electric farm equipment is revolutionizing the agricultural industry, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered machinery. Common electric farm equipment includes electric tractors, irrigation pumps, forklifts, refrigeration units, and more. These machines reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operating costs and maintenance needs and contribute to healthier working conditions and a more sustainable […]

Cleaning & Sanitizing Kit with QR Codes

This resource has key supplies needed for on-farm cleaning and sanitizing with QR codes to direct links where you can buy them from. Download the resource here.

Cleaning & Sanitizing Kit Activity Lesson Plan

This resources is geared towards technical services providers and farm managers looking to learn more about the specifics on cleaning and sanitizing. The lesson plan is for a hands-on activity to help train farmers about the correct cleaning and sanitizing methods. Download the lesson plan here.

Understanding Sanitizer Labels Lesson Plan

This resource is for technical service providers and farmer managers looking to learn more about understanding how to use sanitizers correctly. This is a hands-on lesson plan for an activity related to sanitizer labels. Download the lesson plan here.

Farm First Aid Kit with QR Codes

The standard first aid kit you can get at a drug store is often not sufficient for use on a farm. This resource provides a list of other supplies you likely want to have on hand in addition to a standard first aid kit. The resource also has QR codes you can scan that take […]

Hojas informativas de clasificación de granjas según la FSMA

¿Esta confundido/a acerca de cómo se clasifica su granja según la ley federal de Modernización de la Inocuidad de los Alimentos (FSMA)? Consulte estas hojas informativas de una página que describen las tres categorías de granjas según la ley: Totalmente exenta de la FSMA Calificación exenta de la FSMA Totalmente cubierta por la FSMA

Farmers Celebrate Victory Over Billionaire Tech Developers

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) celebrated victory last month as developers of the East Solano Plan (also known as California Forever) pulled their initiative from November’s ballot after public outcry.The proposed development project, funded by billionaire tech interests, aimed to establish a new city in the middle of farmland, which if built, would have […]

Yuba Sutter Food Bank Granted $200,000 in Pilot Grant

The Yuba Sutter Food Bank (YSFB) is participating in the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. This groundbreaking initiative, entitled Farms Together, supports the purchase of fresh, nutritious produce from small, very local, regenerative farmers and the subsequent distribution of that produce to food-insecure members of our community.

Path to a New Farm Bill: Securing Resources for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

Urban agriculture is a longstanding practice in communities to serve as a form of food sovereignty, resistance, mutual aid, and entrepreneurship. Urban farmers and community garden networks cultivate, process, and distribute food utilizing micro-scale and innovative production techniques. While these practices predominantly exist in urban and suburban areas, incorporating support for these practices throughout the […]

Pile Burning for Biochar Production

Pile Burn Workshop Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation

A Holistic Approach to Fuels Management and Soil Health Written by Josh Harjes, 2023-2024 Grizzly Corps Fellow at CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program. A burn pile just a few minutes after ignition, Shone Farm, Personal Photo Biochar is a cost-effective soil amendment and also offers a plethora of other environmental benefits. In this blog post, I’ll […]

Conceptos Básicos de Instagram para tu Negocio Agrícola

¿Buscas promocionar tu granja por Internet y atraer a una audiencia más amplia? Con más de 1,000 millones de usuarios, Instagram es una forma de conectarte con clientes actuales y potenciales, y mejorar tu presencia en línea. Aquí tienes algunos conceptos básicos para familiarizarte: Cuenta Profesional de Instagram vs. Perfil Personal Una cuenta personal se […]

Directorios en Línea para Agricultores

Obtener visibilidad en internet es una de las cosas más importantes que puedes hacer para tu negocio. Una forma fácil de hacerlo es aprovechar los directorios de granjas en línea, muchos de los cuales ofrecen una lista gratuita de tu negocio cuando te registras en su sitio web. A continuación, se presentan algunos de los […]

Cómo Elegir una Plataforma de Marketing por Correo Electrónico

El marketing por correo electrónico es una de las herramientas más importante que los agricultores y negocios de alimentos locales tienen para conectar con los clientes y aumentar las ventas. Estas plataformas ofrecen características que son útiles para cualquier negocio, como: Mejorar el compromiso del cliente Agilizar la comunicación Rastrear y analizar el comportamiento del […]

10 Consejos para Conseguir 10K Seguidores en Instagram

¡Hay una multitud de plataformas de redes sociales para elegir estos días! La buena noticia es que no tienes que usar todas las plataformas para comercializar tu granja. Como un medio visual poderoso y una herramienta de narración (¿no son las verduras y los animales bebés los más fotogénicos?), Instagram es una salida efectiva para […]

A Tiered Approach to IPM at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

A yellow sign with an image of a great horned owl, reading "Owl Crossing."

Increasing biodiversity can often lead to success in battling pests on small farms.  Through the creation of diverse habitat, growers can attract natural predators to their property which can help keep pest pressure at bay.  On June 3rd, CAFF’s Ecological Pest Management team co-hosted a field day at Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co in Fairfield, […]

Resilient Ranchlands

A Review of Prescribed Fire for Forage Improvement and Fuels Management Written by Josh Harjes, 2023-2024 Grizzly Corps Fellow at CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program. Rangelands comprise 62 percent of California’s over one hundred million acre land area. The conversation around prescribed fire and fuel reduction work often focuses on forests (the only private land category […]

Success! Family Farmer Funding Restored in State Budget

For months now, CAFF has been hard at work advocating in Sacramento, urging legislators to prevent tens of millions of dollars in small farm programs from being cut from the state budget. During that time, we called on you–farmers and families alike–to join us in contacting your representatives. And as of this past weekend, all that hard […]

Success! Critical family farmer funding restored in state budget deal

Success! Critical family farmer funding restored in state budget deal

We are thrilled to announce the Governor has signed this year’s budget which restores critical funds to resource food hubs and provides emergency relief to small and underserved farmers! This has been a hard-fought win and could not have happened without farmers and allies calling elected officials, lobbying in Sacramento and so on. This budget […]

FSMA Produce Safety Rule Farm Classification Factsheets

Are you confused about how your farm is categorized under the federal Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? Check out these one-page factsheets below that go over the three farm categories under the law: ‎Fully exempt Qualified exempt Fully covered

Call the Gov Today for Local Food & Family Farms

Background After months of advocacy, the State Legislature proposed a joint budget agreement that would prevent critical investments in food hubs and small farm emergency relief from getting cut! Hurray! Now we need the Governor to sign the budget bill and keep these critical funds in the final version. Please call the Governor TODAY to ensure these […]

What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety – An Educational Webinar

June 3rd 6-7pm ONLINE Review with us a new booklet on Fire and Food Safety we just produced! Afterwards, participate in a discussion with agricultural producers and technical assistance providers regarding the most recent research and tools for remediation and mitigation regarding wildfire and food safety. REGISTER HERE!

Rizpah Bellard: Cultivating Change Through Agriculture and Advocacy

Meet Rizpah Bellard: a trailblazer in the realm of agriculture, social justice, and entrepreneurship. With a background steeped in the traditions of a Black Angus cattle ranch and enriched by academic pursuits at Cornell University and The University of Denver, Rizpah has become a formidable force in bridging the gap between society and nature. In […]

CAFF’s Water Program: Centering Small Farms and Equity in Groundwater

The passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014 started California’s first steps toward sustainable management of our critical groundwater resources. Groundwater, the water pumped from underground wells, makes up 40-60% of California’s annual water usage, the rest coming from snowmelt and surface water. Reliable groundwater access is critical for drinking water supplies, […]

Gov Newsom eliminates disaster safety net for small & BIPOC farms, dairies in may-revise budget proposal

Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2024-25 may revision budget proposal. While acknowledging this year’s budget deficit, Community Alliance with Family Farmers(CAFF) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) are disappointed by the additional cuts made to critical disaster relief for the majority of California’s farmers. Small and underserved farms account for over 75% of all farms […]

Whole-Orchard Nutrient Management & On-Farm Composting at Heartwood Farms

On April 10th, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a field day at Heartwood Farms in Linden, CA with farmers Franz Eilers and Emma Wade to discuss all things compost and pest management on their biologically-integrated walnut and cherry orchards. The pleasant weather attracted a sizable crowd of growers, researchers, and technical assistance providers […]

Guía Sobre Incendios Forestales e Inocuidad Alimentaria

INTRODUCCIÓN La Ley de Modernización de Inocuidad de los Alimentos fue promulgada en 2011 y comprende numerosas normas. Una de ellas es la Norma de Seguridad de los Productos Agrícolas Frescos (PSR, por sus siglas en inglés), que fue creada para abordar los requisitos federales de inocuidad alimentaria en las granjas, en especial los referidos […]

Deciding On Ecommerce For Your Farm

The Small Farm Tech Hub at CAFF developed a resource to help guide farmers on assessing if ecommerce is a good fit for your business, and at what level. Click the image to take the assessment. VISIT THE RESOURCE PAGE TO TAKE THE QUIZ AND FURTHER ASSESS IF ECOMMERCE AND ONLINE SALES IS RIGHT FOR […]

Tell state leaders: Don’t cut $27 million from local food & small farms!

Thank you for joining us to ensure small-scale farmers don’t get left out of this year’s State Budget and for pushing back against Governor Newsom’s proposed cuts to critical local food investments and emergency aid. Please help us get the word out about these requests through whatever channels you can. If you are social media […]

Now Available: “Understanding the Science Behind Climate Smart Agriculture in California: A comprehensive literature review”

As part of CAFF’s Ecological Farming Program, we collaborate with farmers to implement and better understand ecologically-based farming practices, which include climate smart farming and soil health practices. Climate smart farming practices are named for their potential to help farms mitigate and adapt to climate change through building soil carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and […]

SARE Delivers for Farmers. Will Congress Deliver for SARE?

Last week, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), alongside 97 food, farm, conservation, and rural organizations, delivered a letter to Congressional Appropriators urging them to fully fund the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) at $60 million in fiscal year (FY) 2025.

CAFF Sonoma Opposes Misguided anti-CAFO Initiative

The Sonoma County Chapter of Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is OPPOSED to the proposed local ballot measure put forth by the Coalition to End Factory Farming to prohibit the operation of those local farms asserted as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). This misguided measure proposes a local ordinance that would prohibit the operation […]

How to Be a Food Policy Advocate in Your Community

It’s an election year in the United States, which means that national news outlets are fixated on presidential politics. But although who Americans vote into the top office does have ramifications for food and climate policy, making a change for the better in your local community doesn’t have to wait for November. In fact, there […]

How to Be a Food Policy Advocate in Your Community

It’s an election year in the United States, which means that national news outlets are fixated on presidential politics. But although who Americans vote into the top office does have ramifications for food and climate policy, making a change for the better in your local community doesn’t have to wait for November. In fact, there […]

What to Know About Wildfire and Food Safety

Introduction In 2011 the Food Safety Modernization Act was signed into law. Of the many rules in this law, the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) was created to address federal food safety requirements at the farm level, specifically for produce crops. This is of special concern because many crops are eaten raw and if contaminated, they […]

Sign on to support farmland equity & local food!

By signing on to this letter, you’ll be urging state leaders to address land equity and improve access to local markets for small-family farmers. The realities of the climate crisis, divestment in local food supply chains, and inequalities in the economy disproportionately affect California’s smaller-scale food producers, which includes the 1 in 5 California farmers who […]

 2024 Growing Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program

Starting in 2024, the Growing Urban Agriculture Microgrants Program provides funds to urban producers in the Bay Area and Los Angeles who are growing to feed their communities. A microgrant can provide up to $10,000 for projects that may need financial support to implement. The microgrant program is intended to provide funds for up to […]

Gully Stuffing

Gullies pose many threats to farmland, including the removal of fertile topsoil, damage to infrastructure, danger to livestock, and decreased water quality. Also, due to loss of protective vegetation, erosion can increase after wildfire. Gully stuffing can reduce water velocity, catch sediment and organic material, and stabilize the banks. This practice also raises the water […]

Sign on to save funding for small farm disaster relief & food hubs

Right now, $12 million for small farm disaster relief as well as $14 million meant to support local food hubs are at risk getting completely eliminated from the state budget. But by signing on to our letter today, you can help tell state leaders that these investments are simply too important to cut. ADD YOUR […]

Small Farm Tech Expo 2024

On March 1st, 2024, CAFF hosted the much-anticipated Small Farm Tech Expo at Madera Community College. Amidst a steady downpour, our annual Expo still had a great turn out and the day brimmed with innovation, camaraderie, and the spirit of progress as we gathered to celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of our small-scale farmers. You can find the […]

CAFF Staff Call for a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Community Alliance With Family Farmers (CAFF) has always advocated for a more localized food system. But we also recognize that every decision we make—at the grocery store, in the voting booth, on our farms—has the potential to impact communities far away, too. And right now, it’s clear to us that our country has become complicit […]

2024 Tech Hub Webinar Series: Direct-To-Consumer Sales

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, staying up-to-date of the latest marketing strategies is crucial for farmers aiming to thrive in the modern marketplace. The Winter 2024 Webinar Series on Direct-to-Consumer Sales provides an amazing opportunity for farmers to gain insights and expertise directly from successful farmers.                                                  Pre-order sales, […]

Family farmers, researchers, experts, gather for small farm conference

Small farmers from across California have been gathering this week to look at best practices and techniques, innovations, and the future. Each year, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, known as CAFF, hosts its California Small Farm Conference. Helping organize proceedings: CAFF’s Evan Wiig.

Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by CA Legislator

Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 2313 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and underserved growers as well as offering essential technical assistance for farmer cooperative development.  Despite the Governor’s veto of this vital legislation last year, our food and farming communities have expressed a continued and strong […]

Tech innovators lend creativity to small farms

While ag tech might conjure images of robots and satellite-driven tractors plowing vast acreages, some innovators are focusing their ingenuity on the needs of smaller-scale farmers. That’s in part thanks to the 4th annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge, whose winners were announced this week, as well the Small Farm Tech Expo taking place March 1st […]

Earth, Fire, and Water

CAFF Sends Fellow to Fire Practitioner Training Last fall, CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program sent Josh Harjes, its resident Grizzly Corps fellow, to a Firefighter Type 2 training in northwestern Sonoma County. There he learned about fire lighting techniques, fire suppression tactics, and values of indigenous land stewardship. Professional development opportunities like this one are important […]

The 2024 Farm Champions!

Every year, our community recognizes amazing farms, individuals and local businesses making a difference in our food system. Selected from hundreds of nominations by people like you, the 2024 California Farm Champions blaze trails, give back, and help promote a healthier, more regenerative and more just world.  Join us for the awards ceremony on Feb 28 […]

Mushrooms for Wildfire Resilience

A Workshop with Cheetah Tchudi on Mycoremediation All photos taken by Michael Berlin In December 2022, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers partnered with TurkeyTail Farm to co-host a workshop and peer-to-peer learning event about using mushrooms for bioremediation (utilizing natural processes to improve/heal something) in post-wildfire applications. Several years ago, Cheetah Tchudi and his […]

RFSI Food Safety Equipment Resources

This resource contains information about lots of different supplies and equipment that will help improve your food safety practices on your farm. In particular there are sections on produce harvest and storage, produce washing, cleaning and sanitizing, and your structure (building). This is not an exhaustive list of supplies or equipment, but a good starting […]

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Opportunity

Have you been holding off on buying that new wash station, food processing equipment, cold storage or electric delivery van? The U.S. Department of Agriculture is partnering with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to provide critical one-time funding to help farmers and food businesses with middle of the supply chain (processing, aggregation […]

Regenerative Ag Forum 2023: Summary (Thursday)

A summary from the expert panel & producer/community discussion session | November 2nd, 2023 on Regenerative Agriculture: What Should it Mean? Hosted by the Sonoma County CAFF chapter.

CAFF’s 2024 Farmer Policy Platform

The priorities identified here are a direct result of an intensive farmer-listening process engaging nearly 600 food producers through a multilingual online survey, over a dozen regional meetings, and one-on-one conversations in fall 2023. This process included the voices of a wide range of farmers across California from urban to rural, small and mid-sized, with […]

Tough Cuts in Governor’s Proposed Budget Threaten Small Farm Programs

Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2024-25 state budget proposal, which makes significant cuts to climate and sustainable agriculture funding to address an almost $38 billion budget deficit. Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) thanks the Governor for maintaining funding for newer equity-centered programs supporting urban farmers and beginning farmer training. However, despite this, […]

BIFS Field Day: Cover Cropping and Livestock Grazing for Regenerative Viticulture

On December 5th, the Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a field day at the LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyard in Acampo, CA. The surprisingly warm weather attracted a large crowd eager to discuss cover cropping and integrated sheep grazing. The event was kicked off with speaker Kendra Altnow, Sustainability Manager for the LangeTwins […]

Pile Burning on Working Lands: Siskiyou County

On a chilly March morning in Northern California, a group of ranchers, land stewards, and fire practitioners held an all day workshop on a land management practice called pile burning. Justin Sandahl and his wife run an organic dairy and ranching operation in Montague, California, which is about 30 minutes north of Mt. Shasta. At around […]

EPISODE 3, SEASON 4: FUELS MANAGEMENT AND POLICY CONCERNS IN CA- A CONVERSATION WITH BETH REYNOLDS OF THE GOAT GIRLS, COLE BUSH OF GRAZING SCHOOL OF THE WEST, AND SENATOR MONIQUE LIMÓN

Beth with a goat

In this episode we connect with Beth Reynolds of The Goat Girls, a woman owned and operated contract grazing operation located on California’s Central Coast to learn about her successes and challenges with long term viability of the targeted grazing industry, especially as it relates to fire preparedness and fuels management. Over the last decade, California […]