Community Alliance with Family Farmers - April 2016                           
CAFF's e-newsletter for farmers and community members
Whole Foods Market Generously Awards CAFF Nearly $200,000 From Their Annual 5% Day

As a result of their 5% day, Whole Foods Market's Northern California and Reno stores donated close to $200,000 to CAFF! Thank you for your support! Watch a short video about the day here.
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CAFF Pushes Climate Smart Ag in 2016 Legislative Session
by Pete Price

The California Legislature is in the midst of a heavy hearing schedule on legislation introduced earlier this year, and CAFF is working on several bills of importance to family farmers and sustainable agriculture advocates.  In next month's newsletter, we will review the range of bills CAFF is tracking and lobbying. This month we focus on CAFF's continuing work to promote climate smart agriculture.  Continue reading 
Upcoming CAFF Events

Join CAFF for our Annual Celebrate the Solstice Event!
Join us for a fabulous Summer Solstice party - CAFF's Annual Celebrate the Solstice event in Davis will be June 18, 2016! More information about the event and ticket purchasing can be found here. Or you can download the save the date announcement.

Free Webinar: Marketing Channels for Beginning Farmers
This webinar is intended for beginning farmers who would like to learn more about the various direct and indirect marketing channels such as farmers markets, CSAs, distributors, restaurants, and grocery stores. Q&A included. Please register here.
courtesy of Shakefork Community Farm
Shakefork Community Farm
By Katherine Schurba

Located in Humboldt County,  Shakefork Community Farm is no stranger to farming and providing for their local community. The farmers/owners, Melaine and Kevin Cunningham, aim to provide their community with the same nutrient-dense, seasonally-based diet that they provide for themselves, as well as practice sustainable faming that continues to improve the soil and pasture for future seasons.  Continue Reading 
courtesy of Hook and Ladder
Hook and Ladder Manufacturing Company
By Katherine Schurba

Since its opening in 2012, Hook and Ladder Manufacturing Company has been serving up fresh and innovative California-Mediterranean cuisine that continues to satisfy the locals. Located in the heart of midtown Sacramento this restaurant and bar represents the local community by purchasing its harvest from local farms, ranches, breweries and wineries and portraying the rich Sacramento history in their design and presentation.  Continue Reading
In This Issue
News and Events

CAFF assists growers in getting CalFresh
accepted at local farms 

CAFF featured in Everyone's Harvest documentary

Farmers urged to participate in CTIC, SARE and ASTA Cover Crop Survey

For farmers: the USDA is conducting a farm health care survey (you will be paid to participate!). Please contact katlyn.morris@uvm.edu if you're interested.

Applications for the USDA Value Added Producer Grant program now open; farmers welcome to apply!

For growers: CAFF and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) are looking for information to better understand how farmers are using untreated or raw manure on their farms. We're asking for this now because the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently asking for information regarding on-farm use of manure. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here.

Petaluma Grange is hosting a Compost Forum April 27; more information here

CCOF is hosting food safety workshops coming up on May 17
CSA resource: Information about the 2015 Urgenci International CSA Conference which CAFF attended

Sierra Harvest is now hiring a Farm Institute Director

Find out more about Oakland's Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax
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