POLICY :: Farm Bill 2007

CAFF Farm Bill Priorities

Community Food Project Competitive Grants: Provide mandatory $40 million for grants to increase food security and self reliance in low income communities by increasing access to healthy, sustainable food, while also providing new markets for local farmers. The program is currently funded at $5 million. More than 25 projects have been funded in California, including CAFF’s farm to cafeteria program on the Central Coast that links farmers with school cafeterias.

Organic Farming Systems Research and Extension Initiative (CSREES) During FY2003-2006 only 10% of qualified applicants received funding in this program that provides economic, marketing and on farm research pertaining to organic farming systems. The program has provided critical research on pest-related problems, as well as the effects of soil biology, cover crops, crop rotations, and crop/livestock integration on crop and livestock health and productivity. Also supports education and information training systems for county Cooperative Extension personnel and other professionals who advise producers regarding organic practices.

Conservation Security Program (CSP): Fund the CSP at $3 billion. This is one of the few conservation programs that could directly benefit sustainable agriculture. The CSP offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who develop and maintain conservation systems that solve critical natural resource and environmental concerns, rewarding them for investments of labor, management, and capital aimed at fostering healthy, productive, and non-eroding soils, clean air and water, energy savings, and wildlife habitat. Because of inadequate funding, the program has only operated in a handful of watersheds in California.

Healthy Food Enterprise Development Program: This new program enhances producers’ share of the retail product price by providing $5 million a year in grants for feasibility studies and $25 million a year in loans for infrastructure and equipment to improve farmers’ processing and distribution systems that help to deliver local foods to underserved communities.

Direct to Consumer Marketing Assistance Program (formerly Farmers Market Promotion Program): Provide $25 million a year in grants to promote new market opportunities for farmers and ranchers to establish and promote farmer’s markets and other direct-to-consumer sales activities such as CSA’s, roadside farm stands, etc.

Value-Added Producer Grants: Provide $60 million a year for grants to help farmers and ranchers increase farm revenue by taking advantage of value-added marketing opportunities.

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program: Provide $25 million for competitive grants program that supports education and extension initiatives directed at new farmers.

Outreach and Technical Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program: Provide direct funding and technical assistance to ensure viability and success of minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and enable full access to USDA conservation programs.

Links to Relevant Sites

For more information on the Farm Bill, visit California Coalition for Food & Farming