CDFA advisory committees press for equity, transparency and new definitions for small-scale farms
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Summary
The BIPOC and Small Scale Producer advisory committees urged CDFA and the state board to improve block-grant accountability, payment timelines, language access, and to adopt a California-specific definition of "small scale" farms along with an emergency definition to guide relief efforts.
Thea Rittenhouse (speaker 5), CDFA advisor and tribal liaison, opened a joint advisory update by saying the two advisory committees have focused on improving program access, guidance for block grants, and creating tools for small-scale and BIPOC producers.
Hung Doan (speaker 21), chair of the BIPOC Producer Advisory Committee, told the board the committee prioritized three areas this year: fair access (adjusting timelines and application design to align with planting seasons and local realities), accountability in block-grant administration (financial and performance risk reviews, letters of commitment from partners, and payment timelines to farmers), and transparent outreach and language access. "Access without accountability does not equal equity," Hung said, urging clearer payment timelines because farmers sometimes wait nearly a year for grant funds.
Justin Miller (speaker 9), chair of the Small Scale Producer Advisory Committee, described the committee—s work to define what "small scale" means in California and to create a definition of emergencies that better reflects the needs of smaller operations. He said the committee has surveyed producers, engaged stakeholders across commodities, and aims to develop a state-specific definition that accounts for California—s varied production systems and high cost structure.
Both chairs emphasized technical assistance, multilingual outreach, and the importance of tailoring grant designs to reduce barriers for historically underserved producers. The board and CDFA staff signaled support for continuing the collaborative process and recommended broader stakeholder solicitation before final recommendations are adopted.
