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What happened
Javier Zamora, an organic farmer in California, has significantly expanded his farm from 1.5 acres to over 100 acres, thanks in part to a $150,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This funding has enabled him to purchase a refrigerated van, allowing him to deliver fresh produce to schools as far away as Sacramento. The farm-to-school grant program, initiated in 2021, aims to support small and mid-sized farmers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while enhancing local food access in schools. A recent evaluation revealed that the program has successfully allocated 100% of its funding to these prioritized farmers, exceeding its initial goals. However, the program's impact on promoting climate-smart agricultural practices has been mixed, as most funds have gone to farmers already implementing such practices. Zamora hopes to continue benefiting from this program to further develop his farm and support local food systems.
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Key insights
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1
Support for Small Farmers
The grant program has successfully allocated all funding to small and disadvantaged farmers.
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2
Impact on Local Food Access
The initiative enhances access to fresh produce in schools, particularly in underserved areas.
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3
Challenges in Climate Practices
Most funding has gone to farmers already using climate-smart practices, limiting support for newcomers.
Takeaways
The California farm-to-school grant program exemplifies how state initiatives can effectively support small farmers and improve food access in schools, especially amid federal funding challenges. Continued investment in such programs is essential for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security.