Sometimes, we only appreciate what we have once we’re at risk of losing it.
Never has that been more true than these past few months as we confront new threats daily that seek to upend several decades-worth of tireless advocacy for family farms, local food, and regenerative agriculture.
For this reason, today we’re celebrating the advocates—farmers and community members alike—who founded CAFF back in 1978 as well as those who continue the fight alongside us today.
Our community’s work is now in jeopardy, as we watch billions of dollars evaporate for programs CAFF fought to create to support local economies and feed families in need. Our long legacy is now under attack by leaders that deny climate catastrophe as well as farmers’ pivotal roles in fighting it. And the progress we’ve made towards a food system rooted in justice and equity must now be saved from an attempt to erase it from history.
CAFF remains unwavering in our core values—because we trust that the advocates who work alongside us will do the same. Now, we are asking you to take action.
Despite these threats, CAFF remains committed to:
- Distributing nearly $2 million in relief grants this year alone specifically to small and underserved farmers devastated by climate disasters, with another $1.3 million in drought relief funding going out this fall.
“We really appreciate CAFF’s support. My partner and I were at a key moment deciding whether we could continue to farm or not. Emergency relief allowed us to continue and unlocked new opportunities to become a more sustainable farming operation.”
- Promoting ecological farming practices through direct technical assistance and field days. By partnering with farmers and centering their real-world experience, we’re restoring soil health, cultivating biodiversity, and empowering resilience in the face of rising temperatures, drought, wildfire and flood.
“Working side-by-side with CAFF, we’ve made invaluable connections with other growers. I love the technical expertise of their team and that everyone works so well together, allowing farmers to see for themselves that these practices are viable.”
- Inviting farmers to join us in the Capitol to advocate for a food system rooted in justice, equity, and regeneration. This year, CAFF helped advance California’s first-ever land access legislation, ensured that sustainable agriculture be included in the state’s Climate Bond, created an equipment sharing and farmer cooperative program, and engaged small-scale and underserved farmers impacted by sweeping water policies. All while fighting against cuts by the federal administration to essential conservation, local food, and farming programs.
"With CAFF, I can use my voice as a small-scale farmer to demand change, transform policies, and ensure that farmers like me help shape the policies affecting our communities and ecosystems."
But none of this happens without your support. We need you—now more than ever. Your gift today is a direct investment in a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system. Your donation keeps small farms in business, amplifies the voices of grassroots advocates, and fuels lasting change. Today, we’re standing firm—fighting for farmers, for food justice, and for the future we believe in. Will you stand with us?
With deep gratitude,
Paul Towers, Executive Director & Karla Avila, Director of Philanthropy
* Featured in photo: Lilian Thaoxaochay, GT Florist & Herbs; Mireya Gomez-Contreras, Esperanza Community Farms; Justina Salinas, Araceli Farm; Sammy Tookey, Tookey Farm; Emily Schwing, Fernando Fernandez, & Tadashi Oguchi, Veggielution, Dominique Pearson; Black Roots Herbal, Melissa Sorongon, Plowshare Alliance; Andy Ollove, FreshApproach; Kanoa Dinwoodie, Feral Hearts; Adelina Gonzalez , MAAHS Farm; Nate Brown, Brown Sugar Farm; Carine Hines, Sun Tracker Farm; Alice Tibbets, Fledgling Farm; Rubie Simonsen, First Mother Farm; Flor Revolorio, Pie Ranch