julio 28, 2022
Posted in: News Articles
We’re back with more ASAP Emergency Matching Grant program updates! Read on to hear about how we supported the development of CAFF’s Small Farm Tech Hub, which offered technical support to local ag producers, and how our funds helped Lennie Larkin’s B Side Farm weather the twists and turns of the pandemic.
CAFF builds support hub for local producers
The Sonoma County chapter of CAFF (the Community Alliance with Family Farmers) saw a need during the pandemic to help local ag producers build up their technical skills to sell their products online. With our grant support, they were able to develop the Small Farm Tech Hub and hired contractors, including one fluent in Spanish, to develop and offer resources, workshops, and one-on-one support as local farms built up the online side of their businesses.
Los doce talleres que ofrecieron contaron con la asistencia de 740 cultivadores, que sintonizaron virtualmente para aprender sobre el comercio electrónico, la configuración de sitios web y el marketing en línea. Desde los sistemas de punto de venta en línea hasta los entresijos del diseño de sitios web en Squarespace, el uso de talleres virtuales permitió a CAFF conectarse con personas durante un tiempo desafiante y aislado. Sus consultores también trabajaron uno a uno con Fox Sparrow Farm y Farm Sinclair para profundizar aún más en el fortalecimiento de sus sistemas comerciales en línea, ayudándolos a adaptarse a un mundo menos presencial.
CAFF, a statewide organization, aims to “build sustainable food and farming systems through policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs that create more resilient family farms, communities, and ecosystems.” For several decades, CAFF’s Sonoma County chapter has supported family farms, sustainable agriculture, and local food systems through events, resources, and advocacy. Learn more about CAFF >>
Flowers continue to flourish at B Side Farm
At B Side Farm, Lennie Larkin uses regenerative methods to grow old-fashioned, fragrant flowers for use in her design studio, at workshops, and at her world-famous roadside honor-system farmstand. Beyond the farm, Lennie specializes in full-service wedding design too.
Como tantos otros, B Side Farm necesitaba apoyo durante la pandemia y, a través de nuestro programa ASAP, pudimos financiar la compra de bulbos, plantas y tubérculos de Lennie, y también ayudarla a pagar el arrendamiento de la granja y mantener el puesto de la granja. operaciones.
Lennie is an active, committed member of the local ag community, and serves as a mentor to many new flower growers and designers. She also teaches horticulture at SRJC, and runs workshops and a monthly study group focused on essential elements of flower farming and business operations. Understanding how to turn a vision into a successful, profitable business is a critical part of developing a long-lasting farm that can bounce back from challenges. By sharing her business expertise, Lennie is making an important contribution to the resilience of Sonoma County’s farming landscape. See more about B Side Farms >>
About the ASAP Emergency Matching Grant Program
As the pandemic began, we recognized there was immediate need within our agricultural community to alleviate some of the burdens experienced by farms and ranches due to restaurant and business closures, decreased demand for products, and labor shortages, among other challenges. In marzo 2021, we released an application for a one-time grant to support our local producers and agricultural businesses, and ultimately our Board approved nine projects. We funded expenses ranging from compost and plant starts to assistance for low-income individuals to purchase food from local farmers. Learn more about the ASAP program >>