CDFA - Farmer Resource Programs

Resources and Information for Farmers and Ranchers

Below is an index of information and resources to help farmers run their businesses and learn about important regulations that could affect their farms. Use this index to answer common questions like "How do I sell at farmers markets?" or "What are the food safety regulations that affect my farm?"

Becoming a Certified Organic Farm

Organic Registration & Renewal

Every person engaged in the state of California in the production or handling of raw agricultural products sold as organic, and retailers that are engaged in the production of products sold as organic, and retailers that are engaged in the processing, as defined by the NOP, of products sold as organic, shall register with the State Organic Program. If the expected organic gross sales exceed $5,000, certification is required.

Reimbursement for Organic Certification Costs

Selling at Farmers Markets

First, contact your County Ag Commissioner to get started in the process Second, register online for a Certified Producers Certificate.

This will be done on an annual basis.

Find Certified Farmers Markets by County Accepting WIC at Farmers Markets — Apply for WIC number at a WIC authorized farmers market How to participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Seniors, Women and Children

Selling Products to Schools

California Farmer Marketplace (no longer active) CDFA Office of Farm to Fork

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farmers

(a) "Community-supported agriculture program" or "CSA program" means a program under which a registered California direct marketing producer, or a group of registered California direct marketing producers, grow food for a group of California consumer shareholders or subscribers who pledge or contract to buy a portion of the future crop, animal production, or both, of a registered California direct marketing producer or a group of registered California direct marketing producers. Article 6. Community-Supported Agriculture [47060 - 47062] 47060.

If you are a farm that operates a CSA program, you will need to:

1. Register Your Farm 2. Follow Food Safety Guidelines

(Information available in multiple languages)

3. Review Information for Poultry CSA Programs

CA Dept of Public Health

Selling Value-Added Products — Cottage Food Law

Farm Produce Safety Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Produce Safety Program Farmer Questionnaire USDA: Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Marketing Orders

Marketing Orders, Agreements, Councils and Commission Laws

Growing Hemp

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Hemp Industrial Hemp Registration Process Registration Application for Hemp Growers Registration Application for Hemp Seed Breeders