Policy
We are the voice of sustainable agriculture in California. For over 40 years, we've been advocating for state and national policies that create more resilient family farms, communities and ecosystems.
Policies at all levels of government impact farms and ranches everywhere, shaping who has the opportunity to farm, the markets that farmers rely on, and the health of the ecosystems farmers work with. Advocating for policy change presents a unique opportunity to impact the lives of farmers and grow a more equitable and sustainable future for food and agriculture.
California Must Lead—Call Today to Protect Climate & Farmers
With the federal government slashing sustainable agriculture funding and reversing hard-won progress, California’s climate leadership is on the line. Two critical opportunities are in play right now—but without a wave of public pressure, they could slip away. We need your voice to make sure our California legislature delivers for farmers, frontline communities, and our climate. Your call today could make the difference.
TAKE ACTION!
Have you called your elected representative lately? The most useful action you can take on legislation is to call the main office of the legislator you are seeking to influence, in either Sacramento or Washington DC. They’ll be ready to hear your perspective and take notes. Even a handful of calls on a specific bill may influence their vote.
HOW DO I CONTACT MY REPRESENTATIVE?
It’s easy to find out who represents you. Simply click the buttons below and enter your street address to access your representative’s website, phone number and address.
When you call, identify yourself as a constituent if you live in the district. Politicians are most interested in the opinions of their own voters. You may be asked for your zip code. (You can still call legislators who are not your personal representative, particularly if you are trying to influence a committee vote.)
You can also send your legislator an e-mail, or you can e-mail the staffer who is responsible for your issue. One call or email per issue and be clear and succinct!
Find Your California State Representative
Find Your U.S. Representative
WHAT'S NEW
UPCOMING POLICY EVENTS
HOW IT WORKS:
CAFF collaborates with farmers to create and advance policies that are rooted in their needs, promote economic fairness, strengthen local communities, center justice and equity, and advance environmental sustainability. We work to give voice to family farmers across California, listening to their needs, concerns and aspirations, and speaking up for those often too busy in the field growing our food to do so on their own.
With over four decades of experience in the halls of Sacramento and Washington D.C., together we advocate for policies ranging from food safety regulations to immigration reform, ecosystem protections to the local markets on which our small businesses depend. Local, state and federal policies have the power to help farms thrive, steward our lands and produce healthy food.
STATE: Every year, we weigh in on California legislation, lending our support to bills that promote our mission and our members, opposing those that threaten them, and sponsoring bills of our own to give family farmers a better chance at success. CAFF provides backbone support and is a member of the California Food & Farming Network, which is building a movement centered on racial equity to transform the food and farming system through state policies.
NATIONAL: CAFF is an active member of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, working with partners from across the country to advocate for forward-thinking reform in the halls of D.C., from the Farm Bill to Immigration, giving California communities and farmers a voice in the national debate.
CAFF’s Statewide Policy Committee
Alexis L Malick-Koefoed
Owner, Soul Food Farm
Charity May
Sacred Futures
Julieta Munoz
Urban Farmer & Founder of Growing Roots
Emily Schwing
Santa Clara County
Judith Redmond (emeritus)
Full Belly Farm
Nelson Hawkins
Farmer, We Grow Urban Farm
Justina Salinas
Farmer, Araceli Farms
Cheyenne Stone
Big Pine Paiute Tribe
Bryce Loewen
Farmer, Blossom Bluff Orchards
Rubie Simonsen
Founder of First Mother Farms
Chris Fields Sr.
African American Farmers of California
Flor Revolorio
Farmer, Educator, and Food Justice Advocate
Thomas C. Gibbs III
Bison Conservationist Rancher
C. Lilian Thaoxaochay
Small Farms Community Educator, UCCE Fresno Small Farms & Specialty Crops Program
Caitlin Hachmyer
Red H Farm, Owner/Operator; Celebrating Womxn's Leadership in Food, Co-Director
In Memoriam: In 2020, we lost a friend, devoted CAFF board member and tireless champion in Sacramento fighting for family farms across the state. Pete Price served as CAFF’s legislative representative from 1998 to 2010 and joined the board in 2000 where he chaired the Policy Committee. Working to reform our food and agricultural system, Pete volunteered countless hours, always guided by an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and sustainability. Learn more about Pete’s Legacy here or, to help us carry on his work here at CAFF, consider making a contribution here in his memory.
CAFF’s Policy Team
Catherine Van Dyke
Director of Water Policy
Catherine works on state-wide water policy with a focus on groundwater and supporting family farmers...
Cheetah Tchudi
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, Butte
Cheetah brings a diverse skillset and knowledge base in the fields of agronomy and conservation
Jamie Fanous
Policy & Organizing Director
Working with farmers to create & advance policies rooted in farmer needs, social justice and equity
Jesse Trace
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, San Luis Obispo
Supporting local, resilient, land-based communities
Keely Cervantes
Policy & Organizing Manager
Advocating for ag policies that strengthen regional urban grower networks & food systems.
Lan Ngo
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, Yolo/Solano/Sacramento
Supporting small farmers in the face of changing groundwater access
Maria Ridoutt-Orozco
San Joaquin Valley Farmer Advocate
Committed to justice-centered food systems that strengthen local communities
Paul Towers
Executive Director
Building a fair, responsive and democratic organization so California's family farmers can thrive
Reyna Yagi
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, Sonoma
Farmer-to-Farmer groundwater liaison working on-the-ground with farms
Rogelio Ponce Jr.
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, Monterey
Rogelio Ponce Jr. is a third-generation farmer from Watsonville, CA. Born and raised in the area, he...
Sadie Morris
Groundwater Community Engagement Contractor, Tehama
Farmer-to-farmer groundwater liaison for Tehama County
Yamilet Perez Aragon
San Joaquin Valley Farmer Advocacy Fellow
Advocating for policies and programs that support small and underserved farmers.
CAFF Legislative Representation, Sacramento
Fearless Advocacy, Inc.
CAFF Legislative Representation, Washington D.C.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
