| | Dear Friend, News from American Farmland Trust in California |
| Happy summer. During this bountiful time of year, we hope you find plenty of time for delicious and enjoyable meals with family and friends. After all, we are truly blessed with agricultural abundance in the Golden State. We invite you to read some recent news from our California office and learn how you can support our farmers and ranchers, too. |
| | A California Farmer Speaks Out Situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, AZ-Ranch in Agoura Hills started with three products. Now, the organic farm supplies more than 100 products to farmers’ markets across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The founder recently spoke with us about his passion for serving the community with farm-to-table foods. Read what participating in these local markets means to this farmer. |
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| Show Farmers' Markets Some Love! AZ-Ranch is one of 2,700 producers that supply California’s 655 certified farmers’ markets, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Do you have a favorite California farmers’ market? Help them win prizes in our 16th annual America’s Farmer’s Market Celebration™ (AFMC). It’s easy to vote in the nation’s only annual ranking of top farmers’ markets, as voted on by the public. This year, there is $15,000 in prize money. Vote before July 31, 2024. Be sure to tell your friends. |
| | | We're Hiring! Join our team. We have two positions currently available in California. California Policy Manager – Help AFT drive policies and programs that protect farmland, accelerate regenerative agriculture, and keep farmers on the land. Partner with coalitions, AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network, and agricultural land trusts across the state. California Water Resources Specialist – Help a multi-disciplinary team deliver AFT’s outreach, research, policy, and technical assistance programs supporting regenerative agriculture, groundwater recharge, and farmland protection in agricultural regions in California. |
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| | | Supporting Resilient Food and Farms in California AFT is proud to work with different farmers, environmental justice advocates, industry leaders, and environmentalists urging California policymakers to secure funding for sustainable agriculture, land access and conservation, farmworker health and safety, healthy food access, and regional food infrastructure. These investments protect the future of our nation’s food system and fight climate change. Learn more in this blog post from CalCAN (California Climate and Agriculture Network), which, along with AFT, is part of a 17-member coalition supported by more than 130 diverse organizations. |
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| | | U.S. House and Farm Bill What’s happening with the nation’s Farm Bill? Our policy folks in Washington take a deep dive into the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (Farm Bill), which recently passed the House Agriculture Committee in a 33-21 vote. See how AFT’s farmland protection priorities fared in this recent bill. |
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| | Stay Tuned AFT is pleased to continue providing technical assistance to farmers in California's San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast to support their climate resilience and business viability. Over the next few months, we're planning workshops on everything from business skill development to nutrient management and irrigation practices. For updates, contact atrujillo@farmland.org. |
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| | | Brighter Future Fund Grants – Opens July 1 |
| AFT is offering grants of up to $5,000 for farm projects that promote resilience and innovation. In past years, we've funded hoop house installations, soil health improvements, and mobile farmers’ markets. We want to see your ideas! Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early. The deadline to submit your application is July 8. |
| | | Last Chance! The July 18 deadline for California Leopold Conservation Award nominations is rapidly approaching. This Sand County Foundation award honors farmers and ranchers with outstanding regenerative agricultural practices with a $10,000 prize and national recognition. Learn more from Sustainable Conservation, who cosponsors this award with AFT and the California Farm Bureau. |
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| | | No Farms No Food® is a trademark of American Farmland Trust |
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| | American Farmland Trust
1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 600 | Washington, District of Columbia 20036
(202) 331-7300 | info@farmland.org |
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