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Welcome to the 37th annual California Small Farm Conference, a week-long event featuring over 40 online workshops as well as a dozen in-person gatherings around the state. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or a seasoned grower, a local food advocate or a farmers market manager, you’ll find something here for you. This year’s theme, "Rooted in Place", honors the vital relationship between farmers, communities and the land they steward.

Check out the schedule below for event times and locations. Click "Reserve Tickets" to register. Admission is on a sliding-scale, to ensure everyone can attend. Please select the amount you’re comfortable paying. Enjoy the conference!

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here
or to register for this event.
Venue: Merced Community College - 3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348 clear filter
Friday, February 28
 

9:00am PST

Merced / San Joaquin Valley Gathering
Friday February 28, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm PST
The SJV Regional Gathering connects farmers, community members and supporters of family farms in the Central Valley to come together, meet one another and grow our community. In 2025, our regional gathering will feature a keynote address by Rizpah Bellard of Nova Farming, a variety of educational workshops, and a buyer-farmer mixer focused on connecting small-scale farmers with buyers. 

If you are interested in tabling at this event, please sign up at this form link.

FULL SCHEDULE:
ARRIVAL & WELCOME
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
EVENT OVERVIEW & MINDFULNESS ACTIVITY
9:00 AM - 9:25

OPENING REMARKS (INCLUDING PRESIDENT VITELLI) & KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY 
RIZPAH BELLARD
9:25 AM - 10:05


WORKSHOP SESSION ONE
10:15 - 11:45 pm

- Produce Markets and Marketing Strategies for Organic/Transitioning Farms/Ranches
- Land Access: Leasing, Purchasing and All in Between
- Local Food For All!: A Local Food Marketing Campaign Centering Central Valley Farmers & Ranchers
- Food Safety From Beginning to Advanced: Food Safety Plan Basics & 3rd Party Certification(s) with Dr. Karl Kolb

NETWORKING LUNCH
11:45 - 1:05

WORKSHOP SESSION TWO
1:15 - 2:45
- Buyer Farmer Mixer
- Organic Transition & Certification
- Land Access: Leasing, Purchasing and All in Between
- Local Food For All!: A Local Food Marketing Campaign Centering Central Valley Farmers & Ranchers
- Know Your Soil(s): Soil Science 101
- Food Safety From Trusted Sources: Farmers and Consultant Panel on Food Safety Plans and Certifications

EVENT PARTNERS:
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Merced College
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nova Farming

Organizer
avatar for Rasheed Hislop

Rasheed Hislop

Farm to Market Senior Manager, CAFF
Selling produce. Developing direct markets (CSAs). Helping small farmers access institutional markets. Food Hubs.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Karl Kolb

Dr. Karl Kolb

Ceres Certifications, International
Dr. Karl Kolb has been involved in small farming since birth. Born on a small farm inWisconsin, his first recollection of farming was watering his dad’s many rows ofvegetables which not only supported the family but also markets throughout the localarea. Growing up he raised herbs... Read More →
avatar for Rizpah Bellard

Rizpah Bellard

Nova Farming
Rizpah Bellard is a graduate of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (BS '15). Raised on a Black Angus cattle ranch, Cornell was the perfect fit. Through both lived and academic experiences, Rizpah has combined natural sciences with social sciences. In her... Read More →
Friday February 28, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm PST
Merced Community College - 3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348 3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348
 
From $20.00


2025 California Small Farm Conference
From $20.00
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