Equitable land access continues to be one of the biggest barriers facing farmers today and is a challenge that disproportionately affects BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) land stewards due to the history of colonization, racism, and discrimination that is perpetrated and perpetuated by government policies in the country. This longstanding institutional racism has also excluded BIPOC land stewards from other support - like access to resources to establish or improve critical farm infrastructure, access to water and educational resources, and access to additional financial resources like loans or grants.

With this knowledge and history in mind, speakers at this workshop collaborated to present a variety of resources, while remaining transparent about their frustrations in understanding that no one program currently acts as a silver bullet in solving land access issues for farmers. With the goal of providing a clearer picture of land access opportunities/education, presentations covered the following:

  • Current and upcoming land access resources for producers in the North Bay and California

  • Different land access models in California

  • “Soft Skills” - How to build relationships around land access and management

  • A “Land-Ready Checklist” - a resource to help land stewards in evaluating potential land opportunities

Participants at the workshop came from a wide range of backgrounds, from aspiring farmers and farm advocates to current and long-time producers. Many had a variety of questions and commentary for the presenters and were able to connect directly with technical assistance advisors and policy experts throughout the duration of the workshop.

Conservation Works is grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with this wider network of organizations currently working to expand opportunities for small, beginning, and BIPOC farmers, and will strive to be a part of these efforts in whatever way it can. This workshop was a part of Conservation Works’ larger North Coast Farmer Workshop Series done in partnership with the Community Alliance of Family Farmers and was made possible through funding from the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils and a generous sponsorship from the Savings Bank of Mendocino County

General Land Access Resources


Incubator Farm Programs for Aspiring and Beginning Farmers


Get Involved In/Updates on Policy Around Land Access


WORKING TOWARD SOLUTIONS FOR LAND ACCESS 

“On March 3rd, Conservation Works had the opportunity to help facilitate “The Land Access Checklist: What Do You Need to Be Ready” workshop, as a part of Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ wider 2023 Small Farm Conference North Bay Gathering at Shone Farm. The workshop - a land access-centered series of presentations for aspiring and current land stewards in the North Bay - brought together land access policy experts and advocates from across local, regional, and statewide organizations, including Sonoma Ag Preservation and Open Space, UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma, Kitchen Table Advisors, California FarmLink, and CAFF.