The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently launched a new webpage to assist farmers and ranchers in accessing information for their operations. It is intended to be a clearinghouse or a “one-stop shop” for farmers and ranchers to find information about available state and federal grants and loans, including California’s Climate Smart Agriculture grants programs. There is an emphasis on programs that prioritize funding for socially disadvantaged farmers, beginning farmers, female farmers, veteran farmers, and urban farmers. Additionally, there is a list of quick links to information to help farmers and ranchers better understand CDFA regulations and policies.

The Farmer Resource portal was developed as one way to implement the Farmer Equity Act of 2017. This law requires CDFA to ensure the inclusion of socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, regulations, policies, and programs.

The webpage includes links to new Spanish-language CDFA social media handles, press releases in English and Spanish, and in the future will also have an interactive California map of technical assistance providers who can assist farmers, including assistance in various languages. This will be a valuable resource for farmers who need assistance in languages other than English.