POLICY

We are the voice of sustainable agriculture in California. For over 40 years, we’ve been advocating for state and national policies that create more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems.


Policies at all levels of government impact farms and ranches everywhere, shaping who has the opportunity to farm, the markets that farmers rely on, and the health of the ecosystems farmers work with. Advocating for policy change presents a unique opportunity to impact the lives of farmers and grow a more equitable and sustainable future for food and agriculture.

UPCOMING POLICY EVENTS

HOW IT WORKS:

CAFF collaborates with farmers to create and advance policies that are rooted in their needs, promote economic fairness, strengthen local communities, center justice and equity, and advance environmental sustainability. We work to give voice to family farmers across California, listening to their needs, concerns and aspirations, and speaking up for those often too busy in the field growing our food to do so on their own.

With over four decades of experience in the halls of Sacramento and Washington D.C., together we advocate for policies ranging from food safety regulations to immigration reform, ecosystem protections to the local markets on which our small businesses depend. Local, state and federal policies have the power to help farms thrive, steward our lands and produce healthy food.

STATE: Every year, we weigh in on California legislation, lending our support to bills that promote our mission and our members, opposing those that threaten them, and sponsoring bills of our own to give family farmers a better chance at success. CAFF provides backbone support and is a member of the California Food & Farming Network, which is building a movement centered on racial equity to transform the food and farming system through state policies.

 

NATIONAL: CAFF is an active member of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, working with partners from across the country to advocate for  forward-thinking reform in the halls of D.C., from the Farm Bill to Immigration, giving California communities and farmers a voice in the national debate.

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Julieta Munoz

Urban Farmer & Founder

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Charity May

Principal and Founder of Sacred Futures

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Emma Torbert

Farmer, UC Davis Student Farm

Davis, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

George Davis

Farmer, Porter Creek Vineyard

Healdsburg, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Cheyenne Stone

Big Pine Paiute Tribe

Big Pine, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Judith Redmond (emeritus)

Full Belly Farm

Guinda, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

C. Lilian Thaoxaochay

Small Farms Community Educator, UCCE Fresno Small Farms & Specialty Crops Program

Fresno, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Justina Salinas

Farmer, Araceli Farms

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Alexis L Malick-Koefoed

Owner, Soul Food Farm

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Thomas C. Gibbs III

Bison Conservationist Rancher

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Emily Schwing

Interim Executive Director, Veggielution

CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Nelson Hawkins

Farmer, We Grow Urban Farm

West Sacramento, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Josefina Lara Chavez

Senior Manager, Latinx Farmer Programming & Farm to Market

Hollister, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Steve Kroes

Policy Consultant & Realtor

Fair Oaks, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Flor Revolorio

Farmer, Educator, and Food Justice Advocate

Oakland, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Chris Fields Sr.

African American Farmers of California

Fresno, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Ken Kimes

Farmer, New Natives

Corralitos, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Dawnie Andrak

CAFF Board Chair

Sacramento, CA
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee

Cindy Lashbrook

Farmer, Riverdance Farms

Livingston, CA

Julieta Munoz

Urban Farmer & Founder

Julieta Muñoz is an urban farmer based in Pomona, CA. Her passion for urban farming germinated out of a love for soil conservation and has become more ardent as she’s learned about the inequities in our current food system. Julieta is a graduate from Cal Poly, Pomona with a B.S. in Plant Science and a minor in Soil Science. Julieta chose to pursue urban farming in Pomona because of the strong sense of community in the city and the active organizations striving to localize the food system. In 2017, after volunteering at Center Street Community Garden for 3 years, she founded Growing Roots. Julieta is currently learning about indigenous growing methods and how to incorporate them in the gardens. When she’s not farming, Julieta enjoys resting, cooking, and catching up with friends.

Charity May

Principal and Founder of Sacred Futures

Charity May is the Founder and Principal of Sacred Futures, an advisory practice that guides partners in the reimagining, designing and implementing of governance, leadership and ownership models, sustainable growth strategies, and financing vehicles to cultivate renewal and reciprocity between human and more-than-human worlds. Charity is a systems designer, writer and advisor, supporting the governance and strategic development of funds, projects and businesses committed to building towards a regenerative economy.

Emma Torbert

Farmer, UC Davis Student Farm

Emma Torbert is the Market Garden manager for the Student Farm and started in September 2020. Before the Student Farm, Emma was one of the founding members of the Cloverleaf Farm, an organic fruit farm, and worked there for 10 years. She received her masters in Horticulture and Agronomy from UC Davis and worked for the Century Project at the Russell Ranch Sustainable Agriculture Facility for seven years after graduating. She worked on organic farms throughout the US and South America, is committed to creating more equitable land access in the US and dreams of starting a co-housing farm one day.
Davis, CA

George Davis

Farmer, Porter Creek Vineyard

Healdsburg, CA

Cheyenne Stone

Big Pine Paiute Tribe

Cheyene Stone is a Paiute/Washoe who was born and raised on the Big Pine Reservation in Inyo County. She is a strong advocate for her community through her engagement with tribal affairs, food sovereignty, cultural bearing, land stewardship, as well as a KoapaNuu Indigenous consultation work. She practices and teaches traditional artistry such as basket weaving, holistic medicine, and beaded jewelry making as well as facilitates a community garden producing fresh foods for her community. Ms. Stone is an ethnographer and has been involved in K-12 education curriculum development. In addition, she currently sits on various advisory committees including the CDFA BIPOC Farmer Advisory Committee. 
Big Pine, CA

Judith Redmond (emeritus)

Full Belly Farm

Judith Redmond is an emeritus member of the CAFF Board. She spends her days as a farmer at Full Belly Farm in northern California, and as a volunteer for a number of community organizations including CAFF. She is currently involved with organizations like California Climate and Agriculture Network; U.C. Davis Ag Sustainability Institute; and AGree (Transforming Food and Ag Policy). She is a Fire Commissioner with the Capay Valley Volunteer Fire Department and on the steering committee of the Annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival hosted by Full Belly Farm.
Guinda, CA

C. Lilian Thaoxaochay

Small Farms Community Educator, UCCE Fresno Small Farms & Specialty Crops Program

Lilian is a first-generation Hmong American born and raised in Fresno, CA. Her family has farmed in the Central Valley for over 30 years. Lilian completed her MA in Cultural Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz and has a BA in Medical Anthropology and Asian American Studies from Stanford University. Her background has included community work combating racial/ethnic health disparities and advocating for cultural competency in medical education. Her current interests include the histories of Hmong agriculturalists in Southeast Asia throughout the 20th century, refugee farming in California, and the futures of small-scale growers in the Central Valley. She is currently a Small Farms Community Educator with the UC Cooperative Extension in Fresno County’s Small Farms and Specialty Crops Program. In her spare time she's an avid reader, amateur photographer, and the co-founder of maivmai, an online publication for budding Hmong American writers.
Fresno, CA

Justina Salinas

Farmer, Araceli Farms

Hello! I'm Justina, a passionate Latina farmer with a deep-rooted love for nurturing the land as best I can. My journey into agriculture began in 2017 when I took the leap into cultivating lavender. My understanding of farming has morphed and evolved day by day and it led me to a strong love for native plants. Since then, my fascination with habitat restoration and native plants has bloomed into what I hope is a profound commitment. I thrive on tackling challenges, constantly seeking innovative solutions and advocating for causes close to my heart. Whether it's championing local farms and businesses or amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, I'm dedicated to making a meaningful impact and creating community. Outside of work my curiosity has me constantly exploring new skills and hobbies—from sewing and herbalism to learning the art of plant identification and cooking - the list goes on 🙂

Alexis L Malick-Koefoed

Owner, Soul Food Farm

Alexis Koefoed is a California farmer in Solano County. Soul Food Farm has been in operation since 2000. We focus on no till principals to grow olives for oil, flowers and lavender added value products. We also run a farm store that supports the work of over a dozen small family farms. We are committed to regenerative agricultural as the foundation of our farm.

Thomas C. Gibbs III

Bison Conservationist Rancher

Mr. Gibbs is a Bison Conservationist. He is the Founder, and the Director of Development for Glimmering Rainbow Bison Ranch Company. In his current role with Glimmering Rainbow Bison Ranch, Mr. Gibbs focuses his energy, expertise and efforts on using what the ranch has to accommodate the needs of local communities. He is a serial entrepreneur, Real Estate Developer and Former Co-owner of the Fresh Lines Barber Shop franchise. Before making a pivot into the agricultural industry, Mr. Gibbs, as a small business owner, used economic development strategies in the Sacramento Promise Zone to accelerate job growth and later became a national Opportunity Fund Manager. Mr. Gibbs has an extensive background in government initiatives and employs his skill sets to create and build effective partnerships with local government entities, small businesses, community and faith-based organizations, future ranchers, and bison enthusiasts. Thomas is a Doctoral Candidate at Capitol Technology University. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where he obtained his Masters in Public Administration. He is also a Morehouse College alumnus where he graduated with a B.A. in African American Studies. Mr. Gibbs is an active member of the National Bison Association and a devoted husband and loving father.

Emily Schwing

Interim Executive Director, Veggielution

A native of the Jersey Shore, Emily Schwing came to San José by way of the University of South Alabama, where she earned a B.S. in Meteorology (2011). Emily earned her M.A. in Communication Studies at San José State University (2014), focusing on Environmental Communication. Emily joined Veggielution in 2014 and now serves as Public Affairs Director; Emily coordinates Veggielution’s overall communication and advocacy strategy. When she’s not on the farm, she can be found surfing on Santa Cruz or running with her dog Arlo.

Nelson Hawkins

Farmer, We Grow Urban Farm

Nelson holds over 13 years of experience in small diversified farms working with fruits, vegetables, gourmet mushrooms, cannabis, chicken eggs, freshwater fish, honeybees, and vermicomposting. In 2018 he founded We Grow Urban Farm in West Sacramento, CA. His farm cultivates one acre of seasonal vegetables and fruits for their summer farm stand, community supported agriculture program, local restaurants and food distribution programs. Nelson earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from UC Davis with a minor in ecology. His passion has led him to create ecologically focused farms that play an important role in building a strong regenerative local food system. Nelson currently serves on the Racial Equity Farmer Advisory Committee at the California Department of Food and Agriculture(CDFA) and is part of the 2022 Political Leadership Fellowship with the National Young Farmers Coalition, in addition to serving on the CAFF Policy Committee. Nelson is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of farmers of color.
West Sacramento, CA

Josefina Lara Chavez

Senior Manager, Latinx Farmer Programming & Farm to Market

Josefina was raised in the Salad Bowl of the United States, the Salinas Valley. She has a graduate degree in Public Administration, from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Through her work and volunteerism, she has served communities locally and internationally with social justice, equity, and love being at the root of it all. She is passionate about creating stronger connections between people, and is currently working on getting her farm off the ground.
Hollister, CA

Steve Kroes

Policy Consultant & Realtor

Steve has spent 30+ years in nonprofit management, public policy research and advocacy, and management consulting. He's also a real estate agent, with a special interest in the Sierra foothills near Sacramento (where he hopes to have his own small farm someday!)
Fair Oaks, CA

Flor Revolorio

Farmer, Educator, and Food Justice Advocate

Flor Revolorio’s inspiration to steward land came from wanting to maintain and improve soil health, and increase food security in her community. She’s been involved in food systems for almost a decade as a farmer, educator and service worker. She farmed eight seasons and currently teaches for Oakland Unified School District. Flor is committed to justice; community health; nourishing foods; elevating farmers’ voices, and building equitable food systems. Flow would like to advance community access to food by creating viable sales markets for small farmers that benefit small businesses, schools and support a local resilient food system.
Oakland, CA

Chris Fields Sr.

African American Farmers of California

Chris currently farms at the African American Farmers of California(AAFC) demonstration site in Fresno, California where he grows fresh vegetables for families in the Fresno area. Chris' full-time position is with the Fresno Irrigation District as a Water Systems Operator where he has worked for the past 7 years. He has the responsibility of delivering water through the canal systems in Fresno. Chris also enjoys serving the community through various non profits and is the founder of Jesus Is Our Shepherd Ministry Inc, where they offer Transitional Housing to men and women.
Fresno, CA

Ken Kimes

Farmer, New Natives

Corralitos, CA

Dawnie Andrak

CAFF Board Chair

Dawnie Andrak, board chair, is co-owner of Local Roots Food Tours, offering culinary diplomacy experiences. She graduated in 2017 with a Master of Arts, in the inaugural class of University of the Pacific’s Food Studies program. Dawnie is also a graduate of our Food Literacy Academy, as well as a graduate of the Center for Land Based Learning’s Farm Academy, a program for beginning farmers. Dawnie also founded and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Capitol WebWorks, LLC, an internet consulting firm specializing in political, governmental, association and nonprofit, and public affairs communications.
Sacramento, CA

Cindy Lashbrook

Farmer, Riverdance Farms

Livingston, CA
Pete Price
Sacramento, CA

In Memoriam: In 2020, we lost a friend, devoted CAFF board member and tireless champion in Sacramento fighting for family farms across the state. Pete Price served as CAFF’s legislative representative from 1998 to 2010 and joined the board in 2000 where he chaired the Policy Committee. Working to reform our food and agricultural system, Pete volunteered countless hours, always guided by an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and sustainability. Learn more about Pete’s Legacy here or, to help us carry on his work here at CAFF, consider making a contribution here in his memory.

TAKE ACTION!

Have you called your elected representative lately? The most useful action you can take on legislation is to call the main office of the legislator you are seeking to influence, in either Sacramento or Washington DC. They’ll be ready to hear your perspective and take notes. Even a handful of calls on a specific bill may influence their vote.

HOW DO I CONTACT MY REPRESENTATIVE?

It’s easy to find out who represents you. Simply click below and enter your street address to access your representative’s website, phone number and address.

When you call, identify yourself as a constituent if you live in the district. Politicians are most interested in the opinions of their own voters. You may be asked for your zip code. (You can still call legislators who are not your personal representative, particularly if you are trying to influence a committee vote.)

You can also send your legislator an e-mail, or you can e-mail the staffer who is responsible for your issue. One call or email per issue and be clear and succinct!

FIND YOUR CALIFORNIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE

FIND YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

CAFF’s Policy Team

CAFF’s Policy Team

Catherine Van Dyke

Water Policy and Organizing Manager

Catherine works on state-wide water policy with a focus on groundwater and supporting family farmers
CAFF’s Policy Team

Dave Runsten

Water Policy Director

Endeavoring to keep small farmers farming through policy solutions in Sacramento and D.C.
CAFF’s Policy Team

Jamie Fanous

Policy Director

Working with farmers to create & advance policies rooted in farmer needs, social justice and equity
CAFF’s Policy Team

Keely Cervantes

Policy & Organizing Manager

Advocating for ag policies that strengthen regional urban grower networks & food systems.
CAFF’s Policy Team

Michael Jarred

Lobbyist

Supporting CAFF at the state capitol.
CAFF’s Policy Team

Paul Towers

Executive Director

Building a fair, responsive and democratic organization so California's family farmers can thrive

Catherine Van Dyke

Water Policy and Organizing Manager

As the Water Policy and Organizing Manager, Catherine works on state-wide agricultural water policy, with a focus on groundwater and supporting family farmers in adapting to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Prior to this role, Catherine was the Program Manager at The San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market and a Loan Officer for California FarmLink. She holds an MS in Energy and Resources and a BA in Political Economy, both from UC Berkeley. Catherine is committed to helping build a more just food system shaped by equitable access to water, land, capital, and markets.

Dave Runsten

Water Policy Director

Dave directs all of CAFF’s policy work on water topics and provides overall counsel to our policy team. Dave is an agricultural economist who conducted research on such topics as contract agriculture in Mexico, fair trade coffee in Oaxaca, regional competitiveness of the produce industry, living wages in Los Angeles, and farm labor in California.

Jamie Fanous

Policy Director

Jamie works to advance policies rooted in farmer needs and engage farmers in developing those policies. Jamie has committed nearly 10 years to sustainable food and agriculture systems ranging from on-farm technical assistance, soil health and agriculture policy, to on-farm research and data management. She holds a MS in Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and a MA in Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University. Jamie is committed to developing sustainable agriculture policy rooted in social justice and equity.
Oakland, CA

Keely Cervantes

Policy & Organizing Manager

Keely advocates for agriculture policies that contribute to stronger regional urban grower networks and food systems, managing several statewide multi-year programs that support urban ag. Working with partner organizations, farmers, and government representatives, she works to advance more equitable agriculture policies and programs. Keely grew up on a dairy and cattle farm, and has a background in vegetable farming in and around NYC and policy advocacy in MN. She holds a MPA in Public Policy from New York University and is passionate about the health and resilience of soil, family farms, and communities. She’s enjoying the California sunshine and ocean proximity with her cute fam!
San Diego

Michael Jarred

Lobbyist

Michael Jarred is the founder of Regenerative Strategies Consulting, which specializes in fire prevention, forestry, climate mitigation and adaptation, smart growth, and sustainable agriculture. Michael was a Senior Consultant at the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and worked for the committee from 2015 to 2021. Michael worked on forestry, fire prevention, oil and gas regulation, coastal protection, conservation, agriculture, state lands, and climate adaptation issues. Prior to that, Michael worked on environmental issues for the California Senate Office of Research since 2013. Michael was also the legislative director for Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett, where he had worked since 2006, when Michael joined her office as a California Senate Fellow. Michael has guided dozens of pieces of the Legislation through the process, developed environmental programs funded with hundreds millions of dollars, and participated in the budget process.

Paul Towers

Executive Director

Paul provides overall organizational leadership at CAFF, including staff management, programmatic strategy, and administrative and financial oversight. He previously worked at Pesticide Action Network North America, is a founder of the California Farmer Justice Collaborative, a founder of the California Food & Farming Network, and has engaged in policymaking and community organizing with agricultural communities for over fifteen years. He is originally from Southern Arizona (Tohono O'odham territory) and rooted in botany and agriculture in Southwestern deserts. Paul studied Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning at University of California - Davis and is a graduate of the Green Corps field school for environmental organizing.
Sacramento, CA (Nisenan territory)

CAFF Legislative Representation, Sacramento

Regenerative Strategies Consulting

CAFF Legislative Representation, Washington D.C.

National Sustainable Agriculture CoalitionÂ