ABOVE: Fresh tomatoes on the vine at Ebby’s Organic Farm.
CREDIT: Andrew Hill |
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You asked for information about learning opportunities, access to technical assistance and local markets, and access to funding and ways
to support. We listened. Take food action and help build a resilient food system through one of the opportunities below.
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Rodale Institute
California Organic Center Annual Field Day
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Join Rodale Institute for an Organic Field Day at the California Organic Center on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Learn more about their organic practices and research projects, watch an electric tractor demonstration, and listen to a panel presentation on “Water, Labor and International Competition.” This event is free and perfect for all farmers. Register to attend.
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University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR)
Small Farm Survey
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Are you a small-scale farmer in Santa Barbara County? Take this quick survey to let us know what matters to you and how the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Small Farms Program can better serve you and your farm.
If you have any questions about this survey or if you would like to request a paper copy of this survey, contact the Small Farm Advisor Kirsten Pearsons at kapearsons@ucanr.edu or (805)788-9486.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) is one of our critical food system partners that advocates for California farms and resilient local food systems. Their Small Farm Program is committed to supporting small-scale farmers in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. |
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American Farmland Trust
America’s Farmers Market Celebration
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| This summer, American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition are giving away $10,000 in prizes (and more) to the nation’s favorite farmers markets. America’s Farmers Market Celebration is a yearly event held since 2008. Root for our local Santa Barbara County farmers markets. Voting runs through September 19, 2022.
About American Farmland Trust – Since its founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and supported thousands of farm families. |
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North Santa Barbara County FRESA
Apply to be a Farmers Market Vendor
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North Santa Barbara County – FRESA (Food Resilience, Equity, Sustainability, and Action) is a Working Group collectively addressing food access, food insecurity, and improving the affordability of locally-grown produce in Northern Santa Barbara County.
FRESA is currently asking farmers and farmers market vendors to fill out their Farmers Market Vendor Interest Survey, which asks farmers and vendors about their familiarity and interest in selling their goods at farmers markets that accept the CalFresh EBT card and offer Market Match. The survey also asks for their availability to sell at a new farmers market in North County. For more information on FRESA’s work, read our their Success Story. |
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Cuyama Valley Food Action Network
Cuyama Valley Victory Gardens
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| Blue Sky Center’s Cuyama Valley Victory Garden program empowers participants to cultivate food security at home, combining hands-on technical support with DIY workshops and a strong sense of community. With $10,000 recently awarded to the Blue Sky Center by The Fund for Santa Barbara for program activities and management, they are now seeking YOUR support as they fundraise for supplies to onboard 17 new gardeners from our waiting list. Can you help them reach their goal of $8,500 to install 17 family gardens this summer? Read our their Success Story to learn more and donate today. |
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2023 Specialty Crop Block Program
Open until September 16, 2022
Who should apply: business, nonprofit, public agency, tribal government
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. The SCBGP is designed to support all sectors of California’s specialty crop industry and improve the performance of California specialty crops. Learn more and apply.Conservation Agriculture Planning Grant Program
Open until October 23, 2022
Who should apply: business, individual, nonprofit, public agency, tribal government
The Conservation Agriculture Planning Grant Program (CAPGP) will fund the development of conservation agriculture plans that will help farmers and ranchers identify actions for climate change mitigation and adaptation, further environmental stewardship on farms and ranches, and ensure agricultural food security into the future. Learn more and apply.Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
On a rolling basis
Who should apply: Santa Barbara County microbusinesses who were significantly impacted by the pandemic
The County of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate and Santa Barbara Foundation, are offering a Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. Eligible microbusinesses that were adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic may apply for up to $2,500 in funding. The total available funds for Santa Barbara County microbusiness relief is more than $500,000. Learn more and apply. USDA’s Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP)
Open until October 31, 2022
Who should apply: farmers, ranchers, and food producers
OTECP provides up to $20 million to reimburse agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic and crop and livestock producers who are transitioning to organic for eligible expenses incurred during fiscal years 2020, 2021, and/or 2022. Learn more and apply.
USDA’s Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
Open until October 31, 2022
Who should apply: farmers, ranchers, food producers, and handlers
OCCSP provides cost share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products who are obtaining or renewing their certification under the National Organic Program (NOP). Certified operations may receive up to 50 percent of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $500 per certification scope. Learn more and apply.
Review all food system opportunities on SBCFAN’s Classified Advertisements page. |
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