CDFA is once again partnering with the NASDA Foundation (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) to launch the second consecutive year of the Spanish language Farm2Food (F2F) Accelerator Program in California.
The California F2F Program seeks to support small-scale, specialty crop farmers and food producers to refine their food and beverage products, target their marketing, and explore expanding into new markets.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE
The Spanish language track of the Farm2Food Accelerator is now open for applications. Applications close at midnight on December 18, 2023 (Pacific Standard Time). The program will run from January 2024 to April 2024.
The Farm2Food California program in English and Spanish, helped graduates gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and a step process for product development decision-making. The 15-week training program is free to participants and seeks to increase resiliency among small-scale farmers and food producers by creating value-added products or diversifying the products they sell and exploring new markets while increasing their food safety knowledge and processes. The Farm2Food programs also create a supportive community with direct access to industry-leading experts and local resources.
Success Stories
One of the graduates from the Spanish-language track last year learned to develop paste for mole, based on a recipe from Oaxaca, using regional California products. Other graduates are Darlene and Denise Ruiz, with Products from Paradise, a small farming business located in the Central Valley that specializes in growing edible cactus. They have employed a process that dehydrates cactus and turns it into powder that can be added to water to make a drink or to flour for baking or cooking.
Pictured: Denise Ruiz with Products from Paradise showcases the cactus product at the SIAL America tradeshow in Las Vegas in 2023.
For eligibility information, visit the program website. For questions about the program, please reach out to Carla Soto carla.soto@nasda.org
Note: The English language F2F California is currently underway. The application period closed on October 1.