| | News from American Farmland Trust in California Dear Friend, |
| This year’s California ballot allows you to make a real difference towards protecting farmland, accelerating climate-friendly agricultural methods, and keeping farmers on the land in the Golden State. |
| | Support Prop 4: The Climate Resilience Bond In the coming weeks you will hear a lot about Prop 4 on California’s ballot. If passed, it will invest historic amounts in preventing devastating wildfires, protecting clean water and air, and preserving the iconic lands in our state. What you may not realize is California’s Prop 4 would also make unprecedented investments in sustainable agriculture. These include programs that conserve water, protect farmland, and provide farmland access services for beginning and historically underserved farmers. Prop 4 would also invest in local food system infrastructure, including farmers’ markets, and support farmworker health and well-being by providing more water stations, housing, and transportation. In recent years, California’s budget deficit has slashed funding for key sustainable agriculture state programs. Prop 4 would fill those critical gaps. As a member of the Food and Farm Resilience Coalition, AFT played a pivotal role in advocating for these sustainable agricultural investments to be included in the climate bond. Fellow coalition member California Climate & Agriculture Network outlines specific climate-smart agriculture and food system investments included in Prop 4 that will strengthen a resilient food system. |
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| The 2022 Ag Census Reveals Why Prop 4 Matters Prop 4 investments could not come fast enough for the Golden State. California’s farmers face severe business challenges, some of the nation’s most expensive farmland, and increasing devastating climate risks such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. These threats endanger both the global and local food supply and the state’s economy. We analyzed the recently released 2022 Census of Agriculture and compared it with past Census data to better understand the situation. Unfortunately, the data confirms troubling agricultural trends in the nation’s top food-producing state. The data simply reveals risks too dangerous to ignore. Don’t miss this must-read analysis in our new two-part blog post series. |
| | | We're Hiring! Nationally, AFT is seeking a Senior Soil Health and Biochar Scientist. This remote position supports agricultural practices that promote soil health, rebuild biodiversity, increase climate resilience, improve economic returns, sequester carbon, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. In California, we’re hiring two positions to support our statewide outreach, research, policy, and technical assistance. We’re seeking an Agricultural Water Resources Specialist to help create more resilient water and land systems. We’re hiring a Regenerative Agriculture Technician to facilitate the adoption of conservation practices on agricultural land. Spanish, Lao, or Hmong language skills are a plus. |
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| | Don't miss the California Climate and Agriculture Summit on October 30 at UC Davis. It's your chance to come together with some of the most experienced and innovative farmers, researchers, policymakers and advocates focused on climate and agriculture policy, practice and science. The 8th Summit organized by CalCAN features 18 workshops, including 85 speakers, plus special guests Assemblymember Lori Wilson and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, a presentation of Climate Leadership Awards, posters, and a reception. We'll be speaking on climate resilience and farmland conservation/tenure. Discounted tickets are available for farmers and students. |
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| | No Farms No Food® is a trademark of American Farmland Trust |
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| | American Farmland Trust
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 5005 | Washington, District of Columbia 20006
(202) 331-7300 | info@farmland.org |
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