|
ABOVE: Students learning and working on the Allan Hancock College Farm.
CREDIT: Allan Hancock College
|
|
| Hello,
Fall is in the air across our food system – the mornings are crisp and the days are shorter as farmers transition from tomatoes, peppers, and corn to pumpkins, root vegetables, pomegranates, pears, apples, and walnuts. Local ranchers are raising turkeys for holiday feasts and fishermen are pulling California Spiny lobster and Ridgeback shrimp out of the cooler coastal waters.
When surrounded by this incredible bounty of locally produced food, it can at times be easy to take for granted the many food system actors who help get our food from farm to table. As you’ll read in our Santa Maria Community Profile, training programs for the next generation of food producers are critical to ensuring accessible pathways to careers in agriculture – and a vibrant future for our food system.
Education and hands-on learning opportunities aren’t the only resources food producers seek. Access to traditional financing for working capital, inventory, staffing, and equipment is often out of reach for small- to mid-size producers because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and the programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. See below for more information about a new pilot loan program developed by SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative to address these obstacles – and stay tuned for more details next week.
In the meantime, I hope you visit a Santa Barbara County farmers market, fishermen’s market, farm stand, or pumpkin patch to connect with those who grow our food and fully immerse yourself in the bounty of the season.
Eat well,
Shakira Miracle, Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network
P.S. Do you know someone who should be receiving these emails? Invite them to become a member and make sure they don’t miss a thing. |
|
Community Profile
Santa Maria Valley
|
|
 |
|
Students preparing the fields for pumpkins at The Patch in Santa Maria.
Photo Credit: The Patch Santa Maria
|
|
| Nestled at the mid-point of California’s Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley enjoys a temperate climate that supports one of the state’s longest growing seasons. As a leading producer of strawberries, wine grapes, broccoli, head lettuce, avocados, cauliflower, and celery, it’s no surprise that agriculture is central to the Valley’s local economy, valued at more than $1.4 billion annually. Roughly 30 percent of regional jobs are in agriculture, yet until recently, there were limited local pathways to careers in this sector. Fortunately, food producers, teachers, students, and other food system actors are laying the groundwork for the future of our food system by working together to activate end-to-end training for the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs, building a more resilient Santa Barbara County – and beyond.Read more > |
|
Food System Resilience Loan Program launches November 1
|
|
| Many food producers have been unable to take advantage of traditional financing because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and other programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. Recognizing this regional need, SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative have created the Food System Resilience Loan Program, providing food producers an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.Look for a followup email with full loan details and how to apply the first week of November. Applicants must be an SBCFAN member to apply. If you’re not yet a member, become one today. |
|
USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program
Open until November 22, 2021
Who should apply: small businesses (food producers, processors, distributors, farmers markets) and non-profits
The USDA is seeking applications to support agricultural stakeholders who haven’t yet received substantial federal financial assistance to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Grant awards from $1,500 to $20,000 can cover COVID-related expenses such as workplace safety measures, retrofitting facilities, shifting to online sales platforms, transportation, worker housing, and medical costs. Learn more and apply.Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
Open until December 1, 2021
Who should apply: businesses, non-profits, public agencies, tribal governments
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has over $1M in funding available to support states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. Learn more and apply.
Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program
Open until December 6, 2021
Who should apply: non-profits, public agencies, tribal governments
The goal of the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems grant program to provide funding for outreach of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide inputs. Projects from this program should demonstrate IPM-based alternative pest management options that focus on economical and efficacious biological and cultural pest management techniques that allow growers to maintain yields and quality. $2M available in funding. Learn more and apply.
Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Solutions Program
Open until December 6, 2021
Who should apply: non-profits, public agencies, tribal governments
The goal of the Proactive IPM Solutions grant program is to anticipate which exotic pests are likely to arrive in California and to identify and test IPM strategies that can be rapidly implemented if the pests become established in California. Learn more and apply.
Zero Foodprint’s Restore California Grants
Open until December 10, 2021
Who should apply: farmers and ranchers
Zero Foodprint is offering funding to help cover the cost of implementing practices that build healthy soil on your farm or ranch. They will award up to $200,000 in grants of up to $25,000 each for projects such as composting, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, and other regenerative practices. Learn more and apply.
Clean Water Act 319 Grant Program
Open until December 17, 2021
Who should apply: non-profits, public agencies, tribal governments
The Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant Program awards grants to reduce and mitigate the effects of nonpoint source pollution – such as sediment, pesticides, and nutrients – to waters of the state. $4.5M available in funding. Learn more and apply.
CDFA State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program
Open until January 18, 2022 on a first-come, first-served basis
Who should apply: agricultural operators who have an eligible irrigation system
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy. Learn more and apply.
SBCFAN members can review all food system opportunities on the Classified Advertisements page. If you’re not yet a member, become one today. |
|
| The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is seeking input from California farmers to help guide CAFF’s work and advocacy to better serve and represent farmers while advancing regenerative agriculture, local food systems, and social equity.Participation in the survey is confidential and anonymous. Those who provide contact information will be entered to win Patagonia gear and clothing. Take the survey by November 15, 2021. |
|
The SBCFAN website serves as an online hub for Network news, events, and member resources. If you haven’t visited lately, we’d love to invite you to check out our newest additions:
- Food System Classified Ads – Peruse and/or submit opportunities to work, volunteer, procure funding, or buy, sell, and share resources within the Santa Barbara County food system. Bookmark this page and return often to stay updated on what’s available.
- Success Stories – Learn what others around the County are doing to build a stronger, more resilient Santa Barbara County food system. Have a story to share? Contact us at info@sbcfoodaction.org.
- Santa Barbara County Food System Organizations – Part listing, part map, this interactive directory connects food system actors countywide. Have edits or don’t see your listing? Fill out this form.
Some content is reserved for SBCFAN members only. If you’re not yet a member, become one today so you never miss a thing. |
|
What are your critical needs?
|
|
| As we assess our priorities for 2022, SBCFAN wants to know what needs are most critical for you, your farm, your business, and/or your community. Examples may include: funding, advocacy, coordination, land, water, equipment. |
|
|
|
