Community Alliance with Family Farmers - March 2014

CAFF's e-newsletter for farmers and community members

The CA Farm to School Network is Launched!

A project of CAFF and the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute

For the past eight years, the California Farm to School Taskforce has been providing coordination and leadership around Farm to School programming through workshops, information sharing, policy advocacy, and networking.

Last summer, the Taskforce came together and decided to broaden their work, and transition to a California Farm to School Network (CFSN) that builds the movement in California by expanding membership to everyone in the state who is working on Farm to School programs and projects.

The CFSN is your "one-stop shop" for everything related to Farm to School in California! As a communications hub and a convener across many organizations and regions in the state, the CFSN will align Farm to School efforts, share resources, and bring farmers, schools, distributors, and practitioners together. As a unified front, we're continuing California's leadership in building the Farm to School movement and linking specialty crops to K-12 schools.

Get involved!

Visit cafarmtoschool.org and check back for comprehensive F2S updates
Sign up for our listserv
Follow @cafarmtoschool on Twitter

CAFF's Annual Solstice Event June 21, 2014

Tickets on Sale!

On June 21, 2014, CAFF will host "Celebrate the Solstice," a fundraising dinner at T.S. Glide Ranch in Davis. The event will feature a multi-course meal with food from local farms, regional wine and beer, and live music. The meal, prepared by Sacramento restaurateur Randall Selland, will feature Belcampo Meat Co., Yorba Wines, and Ruhstaller Beer. Proceeds from the event will support CAFF's program work, which directly benefits California family farmers.

Advertise in CAFF's 5th Local Food Guide!

CAFF's Local Food Guide contains comprehensive listings for regional farmers markets, CSAs, restaurants, grocers, and more. It is an indispensable resource for Bay Area consumers and a strategic opportunity for advertisers. Target your ideal audience by advertising in CAFF's 5th annual Local Food Guide! The upcoming issue will be released in early summer and will highlight the South Bay region! The guide will be distributed at restaurants, retailers, markets, and other locations and events around Bay Area. Contact Rosemary Quinn (rosemary@caff.org) for more information about advertising in the guide.

Drought Relief Information and Resources

California is currently experiencing an unprecedented drought, which is having a large impact on farmers. CAFF has created a resource page for growers which includes information and links to relief funding opportunities. We will also be collaborating with regional wine grape groups to hold irrigation efficiency workshops (see below).

In addition, Civil Eats recently published an article by Kendall Lambert, CAFF's Water Program Coordinator, regarding the drought.

Workshops

March 12: Soil Moisture Monitoring for Irrigation Management, Broken Earth Winery, Paso Robles. You can also download the agenda.

Save the Date! April 15th, Sap Flow Monitoring and Irrigation Management, Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello Road, Cupertino

April 23rd: Sustainable Vineyard Practices II, Irrigation & Water Management, COPIA Theater, Napa. More information to come!

Policy Update

by Dave Runsten

February 21 was the last day to introduce new bills in the Legislature for this year.
Continue Reading...

Farmer Profile: Say Hay Farms

Chris Hay is the owner and operator of Say Hay Farms, a twenty-acre organic farm in Yolo County. Say Hay feeds fifty CSA members with fresh vegetable shares, eggs, and preserves. Along with a diverse mix of row crops, Say Hay is home to a flock of Vega hens. Continue Reading...

Food Service Operator Profile: The Selland Restaurant Group

Chef Randall Selland has been promoting "Farm to Fork" dining in the Sacramento area for twenty-two years. The Selland Family Restaurants include The Kitchen , Ella Dining Room and Bar, and the Selland's Market-Caf�. The restaurants' mission is to "connect with people and the community through our passion for quality food and genuine hospitality." Continue Reading...