Feb 14, 2013
Welcome to the newest edition of Small Farm News, the newsletter of the UC Small Farm Program. We no longer publish a traditional print newsletter, but have transitioned to this online-only format. We hope you find this new edition interesting, useful - and easy to share. You can read it all now or bookmark Vol. 1 2013 for later, or print a pdf version of the newsletter.
In this issue:
- California Small Farm conference 2013There is still time to register for the California Small Farm Conference, being held on March 10-12, 2013. Join 500 farmers and representatives from the University of California, USDA agencies, farmers markets organizations and other nonprofits, as they gather at the Fresno Convention Center. Read more...
- Homemade Food Act/AB 1616California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616) became effective on January 1, 2013. The bill allows individuals—including small-scale farmers--to market certain non-potentially hazardous foods made in private-home kitchens referred to as “cottage food operations” (CFOs), subject to several conditions--as described below. Read more...
- Microloan Program for Small-scale and Family Farm Operations Launched by USDA
USDA launched the new year by announcing an exciting new program that it has developed: microloans designed to help small and family farm operations, and socially disadvantaged farmers obtain loans under $35,000. The microloan program also has a more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans. Read more... - Food Safety Modernization Act
How can I begin to describe the draft regulations for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? On January 4, 2013, FDA came out with two sets of proposed rules, stating that comments from the public are due by May 16, 2013. One set of proposed rules relates to processed foods and the other one to produce. There are three additional sets of proposed rules yet to come... Read more... - CDFA Food Safety Cost Reimbursement
Small-scale growers can get reimbursed for part of their food safety audit, testing, or training expenses. California’s Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has a reimbursement program to assist specialty crop producers with the cost of first time food safety audits, informational assessments, water and/or soil testing, and training regarding Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). Read more...
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