In the Fresno area lies a legacy of determination and farming rooted in the African American community. The African American Farmers of California is helping to preserve the rich tradition of Black farmers for future generations. The organization received a $100,000 grant from CDFA’s 2022 Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training and Workforce Development (BFFTP) Grant Program.

With these resources, the organization is working to expand its support for Black farmers throughout the state with a year-round training program and a demonstration farm site.

Michael Snell, a retired US Marine now involved in farming, serves as secretary of the African American Farmers of California and joins other farmers in demonstrating and teaching the cultivation of crops as well as nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Mentorship plays a key role in the program

“This organization was started out of necessity some 30 years ago, and now that I’m deeply involved, I can see the importance of maintaining African American and Black farmers in California,” said Snell. “If not, farming in our community will go away—but farming is one of those things that you learn from people. My ambition is not profit, it’s an investment in learning and mentorship.”

The roots of the organization go back to 1997, in response to discrimination faced by Black farmers, as outlines in a class-action lawsuit against the USDA (Pigford v. Glickman). With the settlement of the lawsuit, Black farmers needed sustainable pathways to thrive in the agricultural sector. Therefore, the African American Farmers of California emerged to provide training, access to land, and ongoing support for Black farmers.

Rasheed Hislop, a Senior Manager of the Farm to Market Program at the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), works closely with the organization. He was motivated by a desire for racial equity, particularly after the tragic murder of George Floyd. Hislop recognizes that beyond addressing past injustices, there is a need to provide Black farmers with resources and knowledge.

“We know that Black farmers don’t need handouts, we need hand-ups,” said Hislop. “Training and access to land is necessary for Black farmers, along with knowledge, which is a barrier. While a lot of people want to get away from farming because of the stigma, many others want to come back to it, and it’s a very viable way of life, healthy, and it could be profitable.”

Through community engagement initiatives, the African American Farmers of California aims to be a source of information and inspiration for aspiring Black farmers. By demystifying the agricultural industry and providing opportunities for skill development, the organization is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable future in farming.

The journey ahead includes some challenges, from navigating lease agreements to securing access to resources like water and electricity. Nonetheless, with nearly thirty members, the organization is determined to ensure future generations of African Americans continue in the farming profession. “Our hopes are to grow and be a source of information for people,” said Snell. “Our organization is working hard to link older farmers—there’s a lot of mentorships.”

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State’s commitment to expanding healthy food access includes universal school meals for public school students and the California Farm to School program

WASHINGTON – Building on California’s innovative initiatives to combat food insecurity, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today announced California’s commitment to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities – a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Representatives from the Office of the First Partner and CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined a ceremony at the White House today alongside leaders working to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030.

“As the first state in the U.S. to implement universal school meals, California is deeply committed to ending hunger and food insecurity, and we’re proud to join other leaders in this nationwide call to action,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “Through our nation-leading Farm to School Program and other efforts to expand access to high-quality, healthy foods, our state is continuing this important work to cultivate a healthier, more equitable California for all.”

“It was an honor to be at the White House celebrating our burgeoning California Farm to School program made possible by the leadership of California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. “With the partnership of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Bacerra and senior administration officials, we’re excited for the momentum of our California program to offer a model to the nation of Farm to School building healthy communities.” 

The state is reaffirming its commitment to using California Farm to School to realize a California where every student receives nutritious school meals made with California-grown produce and has access to quality food education resources. California Farm to School programming currently reaches over 1.5 million students. CDFA and the Office of the First Partner are aggressively pursuing additional opportunities by working together with school administrators, producers, and growers to broaden California Farm to School’s reach to up to 80% of all California students by 2030.

The White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities called public and private sector organizations and communities to make bold and impactful commitments to one or more of the five pillars in the National Strategy. 

California Farm to School Incubator Program applications are being accepted now through April 4, 2024, and will award up to $52.8 million in competitive grants to support projects that cultivate equity, nurture students’ physical and mental health, build climate resilience, and create scalable and sustainable change.

As we continue to commemorate Black History Month 2024, it’s important to acknowledge the rich legacy of Black/African American contributions to agriculture, particularly in California. One endeavor that stands out is the transformative work of the Allensworth Progressive Association in establishing a teaching farm in the historic community of Allensworth.

The community, located in Tulare County, is implementing an initiative aimed at empowering beginning farmers in the Central Valley and Southern California. With the support of a $500,000 grant from CDFA’s Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training Program, the Allensworth Progressive Association is utilizing these resources by laying the foundation for a program to provide aspiring farmers with access to essential resources like land and water, and also focusing on developing skills in sustainable and regenerative practices. The project aims to develop a 60-acre teaching farm.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond agricultural training—it is also a promising approach to community development and resilience. Allensworth, like many other marginalized communities, faces challenges such as food deserts and arsenic-contaminated water. Through the establishment of the teaching farm, the APA aims to help address these issues by fostering food security, promoting health and wellness, and revitalizing the local economy.

Central to the Allensworth mission is the legacy of leaders like the late Nettie Morrison, who moved there in 1979 and envisioned it as a thriving agricultural community. Today, Allensworth is establishing new pathways for Black farmers and youth to connect with agriculture.

“I like the idea of seeing a new age of farming, to see a new era of farming, a younger farmer, more ecosystem conscious—this changes everything,” said Tekoah Kadara, executive director of the Allensworth Community Development Corporation. “We can make growing food attractive again by connecting these channels, because we haven’t had ways to get food to our communities.”

The holistic approach of these programs, which include youth engagement and soil remediation efforts, indicates a commitment to intergenerational engagement and environmental justice. By integrating indigenous farming practices and advocating for food solidarity, Allensworth is not only cultivating crops, but also nurturing communities and fostering equity.

The Allensworth Progressive Association serves as an example of hope and possibility—a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Black farmers and communities. Through collaborative efforts and a dedication to collective empowerment, Allensworth is poised to become a model for Black agriculture nationwide.

2023 Spotlight: Secretary Ross visits Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park — rich in history and looking to the future

CDFA program staff will be participating at the 2024 California Small Farm Conference, starting February 25 – March 1. The conference will feature more than 60 events — virtual/online and in-person for those in the small-farm community: growers, aspiring entrepreneurs, market managers, students of agriculture, local food activists and more!

CDFA program representation

These speakers will be presenting during the virtual part of the conference, and the event also includes in-person gatherings around the state.

Sara Bernal, Urban Agriculture Program Lead

Meerae Park, Farm to School, Producer Engagement Specialist

Monica Pedigo, Office of Grant Administration, Grant Analyst

Katie von der Lieth, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Project Manager

Michael Whamond, Farm to School, Producer Engagement Specialist

This year’s workshops explore farm cooperatives, ecological pest management, making local food accessible, small business management, and more. Plus, a full day Spanish language track. Sliding scale admission. You can find a full agenda, workshop descriptions, speaker information, gathering locations, and more at: https://casmallconference.sched.com/

The world’s largest annual food exhibition is in Dubai this week, and it was an opportunity to present California products and companies to buyers across the globe. While in Dubai, California was able to partner with the USDA, the California Milk Advisory Board, the California Walnut Commission, California Prunes, the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association, CA GROWN, and other US partners to bring a “Taste of California” to the UAE.

Events included promotions at two retail chains (Al Maya & Grandiose), seminars and demonstrations at the International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA), and a showcase exhibition at the Gulfood show in partnership with the Fresno Center for International Trade Development (CITD). These events build collaborations and partnerships to expand market opportunities for California farmers and ranchers.

California agricultural exports to UAE are valued at more than $457 million, representing approximately 39 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports to the country. Top exports include tree nuts, processed tomatoes and dairy products.

More info here

California needs accurate data on water use for planning, enforcement

If you have a water right and haven’t submitted your annual water use report, it isn’t too late! Your reporting gives the state a more accurate picture of water use, and that data is an important tool for accurate enforcement and planning.

If you have a California water right, you are required to submit a water use report to the State Water Resources Control Board each year. Reports for Water Year 2022-23 (Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023) were due by Feb. 1, 2024.

The California Water Resources Control Board reports that as of February 6, 2024, 42 percent of reports had not been submitted.

How to Submit Your Report: 

You can submit your report online through the State Water Board’s Report Management System (rms.waterboards.ca.gov). Reporting instructions are available on the Water Use Help Reporting webpage (waterboards.ca.gov/rms_help).

For assistance, please email rms@waterboards.ca.gov or call 916-341-5431. Board staff aims to respond within 24 hours. Longer response times may occur when email and call volumes are high.

CDFA’s commitment to honoring Black History Month continues. The agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee hosted a panel discussion featuring prominent Black employees yesterday afternoon at agency headquarters and via Zoom.

Moderated by CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong, the panel showcased the remarkable journeys and achievements of Amadou Ba, Feed Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulation Services Branch Chief; Deborra Murphy, Staff Services Manager I, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division; and Emmanuel Canacoo, Veterinarian (Meat Inspection), Meat Poultry and Egg Safety Branch.

During the discussion, the speakers delved into what drew them to CDFA, the impactful work they undertake within the agency, and the personal and professional significance of Black History Month in their lives. This month continues to serve as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black leaders in various fields, including agriculture and science.

2022 Census of Agriculture released today

Taken from a USDA News Release

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than six-million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them.

Among the findings — California continues to have nine of the top-10 counties in the U.S in agricultural production. Grant County, Washington ranked 10th.

“Once again, California has the top agricultural counties in the nation, which is a testament to the resilience and innovation of all those involved in food production,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “I wish to thank our partners at NASS for the very detailed work required to produce the Census. These data are essential as we consider allocation of resources in our ongoing commitment to help California’s farmers and ranchers remain sustainable and flourishing.”

Census of Agriculture information, which is collected directly from producers, shows a continued decline in the total number of California farms. However, the data also show an increase in the value of agriculture sales in California.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture data show the following key trends for California.

• The number of farms decreased to 63,134, down 10 percent from 2017 with an average size of 383 acres (up 10 percent) on 24.2 million acres of farmland (down 1 percent).
• The market value of agricultural products sold totaled $59.0 billion, up $13.8 billion from 2017.
• Total farm production expenses totaled $49.3 billion, up $11.5 billion from 2017.
• At 16,699 farms, California is the top state using renewable energy producing systems in agriculture. Solar is the most common renewable energy producing system on farms and ranches in The Golden State.
• The average age of the California farmer is 59.9, up from 59.2 in 2017.
• Fresno County ranked #1 in the U.S. — agricultural sales in Fresno County were greater than those in 23 states.
• After Fresno County, the remaining top-10 California counties for ag production are: Tulare, Monterey, Kern, Merced, Imperial, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Santa Barbara, and Kings.

“The 2022 Census of Agriculture provides a wide range of demographic, economic, land, and crop and livestock production information as well as first-time or expanded data such as hemp, precision agriculture, and internet access.” said Gary R. Keough, Director, USDA NASS Pacific Region. “Many of these data about California and our counties are only collected and reported as part of the every-five-year census.”

The national response rate for the 2022 Census of Agriculture was 61 percent; more than 40 percent of responses were submitted online. California’ response rate was 56 percent. Additional statistical reports, including state and county profiles and congressional districts, will be released throughout 2024.

First conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census and conducted since 1997 by USDA-NASS, the Census of Agriculture remains the most comprehensive agricultural dataset for every state and county in the nation.

The full Census of Agriculture report as well as publication dates for additional ag census data products can be found at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. Ag census data can also be found in NASS’s searchable online database, Quick Stats.