ABOVE: Locally grown pumpkins at the Santa Barbara County Farmers’ Market.
CREDIT: Andrew Hill / PHAROS Creative |
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| Hello,
Fall is in the air across Santa Barbara County. Winter squash’s orange and yellow hues abound at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food retailers. Farmers are milling locally-grown grains harvested in the summer, and local ranchers are raising turkeys for the holidays. Fishermen recently showcased the abundance of sustainably harvested, high-quality seafood at the 19th Annual Harbor and Seafood Festival.
From the mobile farmers’ market to shared agricultural equipment, food system changemakers across the Lompoc Valley are addressing critical needs by fostering community and developing food system infrastructure. As you’ll read in our latest regional highlight on the Lompoc Valley, farmers, ranchers, farmers’ market managers, food business owners, and educators alike are accelerating community-led solutions to build a more equitable, closed-loop food system.
As the seasons change, there are a number of opportunities to get involved in the Santa Barbara County food system. See below for more updates on how our region is building resilience, upcoming events to make new connections, and funding for your next project.
Eat well,
Shakira Miracle, Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Food Action Network
P.S. Be a Catalyst for this work with a gift of $500. Be a Changemaker with gifts starting at $1000. sbcfoodaction.org/donate. |
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Regional Highlight
Lompoc Valley
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ABOVE: Locally grown rye processed with the Central Coast and Southern California Regenerative Equipment Sharing Collaborative’s milling equipment in Lompoc.
CREDIT: Andrew Hill |
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| Just a 10-minute drive from the ocean, Lompoc Valley’s fertile soil and temperate climate make this region a prime location for growing asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, artichokes, carrots, cabbage, celery, spinach, strawberries, kale, parsley, brussel sprouts, snap peas, cilantro, and walnuts. Many food system actors in the region are taking action and accelerating community-led food system solutions to build a more equitable, closed-loop food system, increase food access and nutrition security, develop regional infrastructure, and equip the next generation of leaders for careers in agriculture.Read more > |
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The White House
Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health Recordings
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| On Wednesday, September 28, the Biden-Harris Administration hosted the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health for the first time in 50 years. The White House announced over $8 billion in hunger and nutrition commitments and aims to end hunger by 2030. Since the conference, they have released a National Strategy with actions the federal government will take to drive solutions to these challenges. We encourage you to check out their website to learn more. |
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California Climate and Agriculture Network
Climate and Agriculture Summit
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You’re invited to CalCAN’s Climate and Agriculture Summit on November 13-14, 2022. Farmers and ranchers are eligible for a half-priced ticket.
- Learn about the latest science, policy, and practice of climate-resilient farming in California.
- Network with a diverse group of growers, researchers, policymakers, agricultural professionals, and advocates.
- Get inspired to play a constructive role in engaging in solutions to the climate crisis that sustainable and organic agriculture can deliver.
CalCAN advocates for state and federal programs and policies that help farmers build soil health, withstand drought and adapt to the climate impacts we’re all facing. Please reach out to Tessa or sign up for CalCAN’s newsletter to influence and join statewide and federal Farm Bill advocacy efforts. (tessa@calclimateag.org) |
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White Buffalo Land Trust and Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office
Weaving the Roots of Regeneration
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| Join the White Buffalo Land Trust and the Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office (SYCEO) for a virtual panel discussion about regenerative approaches to growing wellness for human and ecosystem health on Thursday, November 10th.
“Weaving the Roots of Regeneration: Cultivating Health, Ceremony, and Connection in Santa Barbara County” is a conversation focused on creating reciprocity among soil, water, foods, plants, and our communities. Attendees will discover more about the interventions the SYCEO are already taking in their work to cultivate native plants, improve water quality, and adapt to the effects of climate change as well as about the launch of the Resilience Permagarden Program in the Santa Ynez Valley from special guests, Warren Brush and Thomas Cole. This collaborative program is designed to inspire and provide hands-on skills for the growth of food, fiber, and medicine in a way that nourishes culture, climate, and landscape. This is a free event and all ages are welcome. |
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USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement
Farmer & Rancher Grant Writing Workshop
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| Are you a farmer or rancher? Join the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) and the Fresno State University Jordan College of Agriculture and Division of Research and Graduate Studies for a two-hour Grant Writing Workshop on December 1, 2022, from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Learn about how to register on grants.gov, the grant proposal development process, submission requirements, work plan, partnerships, and grant writing tips. Register today. |
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Pine Cone Foundation Micro-Grant Program
Open until November 7, 2022
Who should apply: Small California-based farms, ranches, fishing, and aquaculture operations
The Pine Cone Foundation micro-grant program seeks to support those pursuing long-term careers in agriculture, ranching, fishing, and aquaculture. The PCF micro-grant application is open to established small California-based farms, ranches, fishing, and aquaculture operations that are looking to accomplish a specific project within one year. Two grants from $2,000 to $3,500 will be distributed this year. The winners will be contacted by email in early December and the funds will be released in late December. 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.
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.
Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program
Open until November 17, 2022
Who should apply: Any public or private organization that has demonstrated experience in providing agricultural education or other agriculturally related training to producers
The Western Extension Risk Management Education Center (Western Center) is providing funding for projects that help farm and ranch families succeed through targeted risk management strategies. The maximum amount of requested funding shall not exceed $50,000 for Education Projects, $100,000 for Producers Underserved by Crop Insurance Projects, and $5,000 for Exploratory Projects. Learn more and apply.
2022 California Farmland Conservancy Program
Open until November 25, 2022
Who should apply: nonprofit, public agency, tribal government
The California Farmland Conservancy Program (CFCP) is a statewide grant program that supports local efforts to establish agricultural conservation easements and land improvement projects for the purpose of preserving important agricultural land resources and enhancing sustainable agricultural uses. Learn more and apply.
Review all food system opportunities on SBCFAN’s Classified Advertisements page.
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