2025 California Small Farm Conference

This half-day training, developed by the California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, offers farmers' market workers, managers, volunteers or enthusiasts insight into the rules and regulations and best practices for running a CA certified Farmers market. The program is designed to equip market managers, staff, volunteers, enthusiasts, with the essential skills needed to enhance the integrity, management, and sustainability of Certified Farmers’ Markets across California.

During this interactive session, participants will dive into the foundational elements of the Farmers' Market Manual, which promotes direct farmer-to-consumer relationships and supports small independent farmers. Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a free farmers' market management manual.

The training will be led by farmers' market longtime professionals and industry leaders Loren Norman and April Lancaster.

This interactive workshop brings together a diverse panel of speakers from farming organizations, food industry leaders, and advocacy groups to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities in the food system. With a focus on Asian specialty crops and small-scale farmers, the workshop will explore topics such as market access, the impact of technology, and the evolution of farming practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with speakers through a Q&A session, fostering a collaborative dialogue on building a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Farmers, homesteaders, artisans, and cottage food makers have the right to produce the food they want, and consumers have the right to purchase what they want to feed their families. However, laws and regulatory overreach often restrict these choices, and while consumer demand for locally grown products is rising, increased regulation can drive out small farms and businesses.

In this workshop, we will explore key federal, state and local regulations that impact small food producers. We will examine the federal rules regarding meat and poultry production, the prohibitions on interstate sales of certain products such as raw milk, cottage food regulations, and FSMA safety regulations. Since this conference in CA based, we will also touch on the state and local rules for each of the above food categories and also address typical local zoning regulations, the state Right to Farm law, and more. We will examine the legal solutions - such as meat and milk share agreements - that can farmers and small producers can employ to remain viable and grow.

Finally, we will explore the various legislative, policy, and advocacy tools that seek to expand food freedom choice for everyone, and offer guidance on how producers can build partnerships with legislators and mobilize supporters to change the rules to their benefit.