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CDFA seeks $24.9 million to expand Farm to School program; LAO recommends tighter targeting for $3 million technical assistance

2853595 · April 2, 2025
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Summary

CDFA asked for $24.9 million in new general‑fund support for its Farm to School program for FY2025–26 to expand grants, fund technical assistance and sustain network capacity; the Legislative Analyst's Office questioned whether a $3 million technical‑assistance component is sufficiently targeted.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture requested $24.9 million in general fund for fiscal year 2025–26 to continue and scale its Farm to School program, with $20 million proposed for incubator grants, $3 million for climate‑smart agricultural technical assistance, and $1.9 million for network programming.

"With just 3 rounds of funding since then the California Farm to School program has been able to reach 49% of California school children," CDFA's Arma Cozina said during the subcommittee hearing. CDFA described the incubator grant program as its largest component; the program funds procurement and education projects, technical assistance to school food authorities, and producer and food‑hub capacity building.

Why it matters: CDFA and stakeholders said Farm…

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