All posts in Blog
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Exploring Direct to Consumer Markets at Tenderly Rooted Farm Field Day
On October 5th, attendees gathered at Riverwood Farm in Biggs, California to listen to Kaben Kramer of Tenderly Rooted tell his story of creating a Direct to Consumer market for […]
Farm to School Partnerships in Merced County
On a warm September evening in Merced, CA, hundreds of students and families gathered for “Back to School Night” across Merced City School District’s 14 elementary schools. Fortunately for attendees […]
Future of Family Farms in the San Joaquin Valley
Earlier this year, CAFF kicked off a massive project in the San Joaquin Valley to help support family farms there and strengthen the local food economy, in partnership with UC […]
CAFF Survey 2023
Please take a few moments (no more than 10 minutes) to complete this year’s survey. The results from this survey help us better understand what issues are most important […]
CRECE Urban Farm Collective, Spreadwing Farm, and CAFF’s Dave Runsten podcast episode
In this episode we delve into all things on-farm composting, from its production to its use and relevant agricultural policies. We hear from Abel Ruiz at CRECE Farming Collective in […]
Análisis microbianos del agua gratuitos para los agricultores
Foto del Western Center for Food Safety ¿Es usted un agricultor que necesita realizar análisis del agua en su granja? CAFF cubrirá los gastos de los análisis microbiológicos del agua de […]
Cover Crops in Orchards case study
Do you want to learn more about the ins and outs of planting and managing cover crops from growers with cover crop experience? Check out our Cover Crops in Orchards […]
Lopes Family Farm Field Day: Integrated rice and duck farming
On June 29th, Lopes Family Farms hosted a field day with Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) in Princeton, CA focused on rice and duck farming, a Biologically Integrated Farming […]
It’s time to register your farm for online EBT/SNAP!
Marketlink is now registering farms for the SNAP online payment solution for direct marketing farmers. The press release can be viewed here. For interested farmers, the first step is […]
Final state budget protects commitments to small farms & provides vital flood relief!
Sacramento, CA -— Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2023-24 budget bill. The Community Alliance with Family Farmers supports the final state budget agreement and is pleased to see the […]
Selling Into Farm to School
Farm to School programs are popping up across the nation! Communities see the educational and nutritional values of providing fresh and local food for students and the economic benefits to […]
CAFF Strategic Plan 2023
For 45 years, CAFF has been the voice of family-scale agriculture in California. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary, we are thrilled to share with you—the farmers, food system advocates, […]
Ag/Livestock Pass Programs in California
What is an Ag/Livestock Pass? The Agriculture and Livestock Pass Identification Card is a form of verification that allows farmers and ranchers to access their properties and tend to their […]
No-Till News: An Update on CAFF’s Biointensive No-Till Project
CAFF’s Biointensive No-Till Project is an on-farm demonstration project partnering with small, diversified vegetable farms in Northern California who are committed to minimizing tillage and interested in learning about how […]
BIOS Field Day at Locke Ranch
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Locke Ranch on May 23rd. Attendees were treated to a walk through the […]
ACTION ALERT: Last chance to prevent funding cuts to small farm programs & demand winter storm relief
FIND THE CONTACT INFO FOR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE HERE
Farmers Beet Podcast on Integrated Crop Livestock Systems with Eatwell Farm – Dixon and Pasture42 – Guinda
In this episode, we learn about integrated crop livestock management from two Northern California Farms. First, we hear from Lorraine Walker of Eatwell Farm in Dixon, CA, where they incorporate […]
Free Microbial Water Testing for Farmers
Photo from the Western Center for Food Safety Are you a farmer who needs to conduct water testing on your farm? CAFF will cover the costs of microbiological water testing […]
Family Farmers React to Gov’s Budget, Urge Re-investments in Local Food, Equitable Flood Relief
Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2023-24 May Revision Budget proposal. While we commend the Governor for addressing the devastating effects of climate change on the agriculture community, with severe swings […]
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day 2023
Happy wildfire community preparedness day! Have you ever looked at your calendar and noticed there’s a holiday that you’ve never heard of before? Sure, there are the ones that are […]
Food Hub Basics
“BIPOC Produce” is a new Fresno-based initiative involving over 90 BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color) farmers whose founder, Keng Vang, is from a Hmong family of farmers. After […]
BIOS Field Day at Chinchiolo Farms
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) held a Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day at Chinchiolo Farms on April 20th. After a very wet winter, attendees enjoyed the […]
Helping Small Farms Stay Afloat
California has been pummeled by an intense series of winter storms and atmospheric rivers since December 2022. While the rains provide much-needed drought relief, filling up reservoirs and watering thirsty […]
Directrices de inocuidad alimentaria para pequeñas granjas de California
La siguiente lista de recomendaciones debe tenerse en cuenta durante la producción, la cosecha, la transformación y el transporte de los cultivos.
Local Food Producers Bill
The Local Food Producers Bill, if passed, will help identify and create a legal definition for “Local Food Producers”, independently-owned farms operated on less than 500 acres who sell direct […]
Cooperative Farm Equipment Program Proposed by CA Legislator
[SACRAMENTO, CA] – Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 552 which would create a new program to increase equipment access for small and mid-scale growers. The program will increase […]
Sign on Today: Cooperative Tool Sharing Bill
SIGN ON TODAY! Summary Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) and the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) are sponsoring AB 552 to create the California Small & Underserved Farmer […]
Member Spotlight: Shepherdess Land & Livestock Co
New year new member spotlights! In 2023 we hope to bring you all a wide range of members from all walks who are excited to share what being a member […]
2023 Small Farm Innovation Challenge Winners
Proving that innovation thrives on a small-scale, the winners of the 3rd annual Small Farm Innovation Challenge bring appropriate tech solutions to local agriculture. This competition, hosted each year by […]
Produce Safety and Flood Resources
Guidance and resources for growers to assess crop safety after a flood
CAFF’s 2023 Policy Priorities
In the Fall of 2022 we embarked on our annual intensive farmer listening process, organizing over a dozen multilingual farmer gatherings, distributing our online survey to hundreds of growers, and […]
2023 California Farm Champions
Every year, we honor change-makers, trailblazers and those giving back to their local food and agricultural communities. From innovative farmers to grassroots organizers, these are the people who give us […]
Consejos para Agricultores Familiares Preparando por Evacuaciones durante un Incendio Forestal
Hoy en día, el cambio climático, la propagación de plantas invasivas y la actualización de prácticas agrícolas están aumentando constantemente la frecuencia de los incendios forestales. Como resultado, es importante […]
Family Farms React to Governor’s Proposed Budget, Major Cuts
Sacramento, CA -— Today California Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2023-24 state budget proposal which maintains essential drought relief but threatens cuts to infrastructure investments for California’s small-scale and underserved […]
One & a half million dollars for family farms in need
During this season of giving, we found joy not only in receiving but in giving. And this year was a record-breaking year of giving for CAFF! To help small farmers […]
December Membership Spotlight: Monica Lin
To wrap up 2022, we’re shining the last Member Spotlight of the year on Monica Lin from Foodshed in San Diego. Monica is very involved with her community and is truly […]
Data Training for the Small Farm
CAFF’s Small Farm Tech Hub hosted a data training for the Small Farm which was a three-part webinar series held during November-December 2022. The webinar recordings are provided below along with […]
Value-Added Product Success, Three Farms Share Their Stories
CAFF’s Tech Hub is hosting a three part webinar series on value-added products and success stories of small producers using Ecommerce. The series highlights farmers who have developed their business […]
Let’s Keep Small Farmers Farming Forever
Anna Knight spent much of her youth trying to get away from the farm–sports and an off-farm job ensured she always had an excuse not to join her family at […]
Episode 3: First Rain Farm- Nevada City
In this episode, we travel to First Rain Farm in Nevada County, where Tim Van Wagner is integrating a number of effective wildfire preparation methods on his property, as well […]
BIOS Field Day: FoamStream Demo and Talking Organic Weed Management
Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) hosted a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) field day on November 30th in Clements, CA. Farmer Alicia Lewis-Rikkonen arranged a demonstration of a novel […]
Value-Added Producer Grant Scholarship Program
Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash CAFF’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Scholarship Program provides partial funding for farmers to work with Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy, Inc. to write and […]
Programa de certificación de inocuidad alimentaria para cultivos especiales
Un nuevo programa a través de la Agencia de servicios agrícolas del USDA está proporcionando el reembolso de los gastos del programa de inocuidad alimentaria en la granja relacionados con […]
Financial Assistance Available for Food Safety Certification
A new program through USDA’s Farm Service Agency is providing reimbursement for on-farm food safety program expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and/or 2023. […]
New Podcast Season: Farmer Stories of Wildfire Recovery & Preparedness
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program provides specialized recovery and preparedness resources for small farms and communities in California impacted by wildfire and those seeking to prepare against future threats. One of […]
Membership Spotlight: Red Gate Ranch
Just like that it’s fall! Each season brings new tasty fruits and veggies. For this month we’re highlighting a farm that provides their community with a wide range of delicious […]
Central Valley Farmers Achieve Ground Breaking Sales to Schools
This year for the first time in his farming career, Donald Sherman made a sale to a school district. Mr. Sherman has been interested in providing fresh produce to local […]
Value-Added Product Webinar Series for Farmers
Note: This webinar series has passed. Click here to watch the webinar series on CAFF’s YouTube Channel. Are you a farmer or rancher interested in producing or scaling a value-added […]
FSMA Inspection Case Study: CDFA FSMA PSP Inspector
This interview is part of our Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) case study series. In earlier case studies we interviewed other farmers and they talked about food safety practices they […]
Membership Spotlight: Bluebird Farm
After that September heatwave the temperatures dropped, and all of a sudden the slight hint of fall was in the air! Even though fall is coming soon, our local farmers […]
USDA Halts Almond Board Rule Change & Saves Direct Market Farmers
Today the USDA halted an Almond Board rule change that would have prohibited direct online sales of raw almonds, which farmers had previously been pursuing as part of the roadside […]
Talking Integrated Pest Management at Blossom Farms
The Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF) hosted our fourth Biologically Integrated Orchard System (BIOS) field day, titled “Effective IPM Strategies for Major Walnut Pests,” at Blossom Farms on July […]
CAFF Partners w/ CA Assoc. of Food Banks & Fresh Approach on New Local Food Purchasing Program
This week, the United States Department of Food and Agriculture announced California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) at the Yolo Food Bank – a member of the California […]
Member Spotlight: Brisa Ranch
Summer is at its peak and all the farmers are working hard to harvest all the delicious veggies from their fields, like the three amazing farmers at Brisa Ranch. We […]
BIOS Field Day at Unruh Farms
In continuing to promote the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) held its third field day event hosted at Unruh Farms located in Princeton, […]
5 Key Wildfire Resilience Practices
It’s not always obvious that some of the ecological farming practices used frequently by farmers, also provide wildfire protection and recovery benefits. Check out the infographic below which was developed […]
Significant Investments & Drought Relief for Family Farmers in State Budget
This week, the California State Legislature passed and Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of budget bills that include significant investments in drought relief for small farms. After spending months […]
La Inocuidad Alimentaria Vs. los Requisitos Orgánicos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de las tres categorías de fincas dentro de la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por sus siglas en inglés) […]
FSMA Y NOP: Mantenimiento de registros
Esta hoja informativa explica los registros que deben tener las fincas para estar en pleno cumplimiento con FSMA(por sus siglas en inglés) y los compara con los registros que se […]
FSMA Y NOP: Planes escritos
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas deben tener para un plan de inocuidad de los alimentos por escrito si necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento […]
FSMA Y NOP: El uso del suelo
Esta hoja informativa proporciona una descripción general de lo que las granjas que necesitan estar en pleno cumplimiento con la Ley Federal de Modernización de la Seguridad Alimentaria (FSMA por […]