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We need YOUR help calling on state leaders to support small family farms during this catastrophic drought. But first we need to get their attention! That's where you come in: we're seeking everyday people, families especially, to join us for a photo to illustrate that the loss of a small farm is also the loss of a local food community. All you need to do: show up to Tierra Vegetables with a plate. That's it. Carpooling encouraged. Parking is limited, however we want as big a crowd as possible for this photo. (All outdoors, but please any take necessary covid precautions.)Or tune in via Facebook Live to hear our campaign launch.
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CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND:
Farming has always been a risky business, but here in California, 2021 is proving to be another beast altogether. Before they could even look up from the ravages of a global pandemic, small family farmers across the state–the backbone of our local food system–found themselves staring down catastrophic drought, historic heat waves, and a wildfire season sparked earlier than ever. Please join CAFF in speaking up, urging your state leaders to include support for small farms in the drought emergency budget.
At Community Alliance with Family Farmers, we know that the climate crisis lying at the root of all this requires big, bold, long-term action. And through efforts like CAFF’s Climate Smart Farming program, we’re working to grow lasting resilience from the soil. But right now, to assure that our small farms survive to next season, we’re calling on the state of California to #rescuesmallfarms today!
As reservoirs and wells go dry, small farmers have abandoned fields, watching crops wither in the ground. At this moments, thousands of them are making tough choices not just about this season, but about the future of their operations. These are the growers who show up at your local farmers market, who operate CSA’s, and who supply local shops and restaurants with fresh food. Few of them have access to safety nets or savings. Traditional government aid is rarely designed with small farms in mind. And the vast majority of BIPOC farmers operate small farms, doubly weighed down by historic inequities. When it comes to our precious water, small farms and the communities they feed must remain a top priority.
OUR ASK:
In this time of crisis, we call upon the state of California to prevent the loss of our small family farms and to ensure the future of our local food system. On behalf of CAFF and the wider local food and small farm community, we request an $87 million drought emergency investment including direct relief to impacted farms, water smart farming education, and water infrastructure support, all specifically for smaller-scale growers.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tierra Vegetables Farm, 651 Airport Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States