The roots of the California Small Farm Conference travel back to the Small Farm Center at UC Davis in 1982. Working with a coordinating council of organizations who supported small farmers, the founding members held its first conference in Stockton. With very few resources and forums for small farmers to share their unique concerns and experiences, the CSFC found its niche and has blossomed into the state’s premier gathering for not only small farmers, but farmers’ market managers, agricultural students, researchers, writers and food advocates.

Fast-forward almost 30 years and the changes have been significant. Certified Farmers’ Markets have grown from less than 60 to over 600 statewide. Organic, Buy Local, Slow Food and CSA movements have shaped consumer buying decisions and awakened a new interest in supporting small farms. Opportunities have grown at the institutional level with resources from the state and federal government that assist small farmers with conservation, marketing, cultivation, crop insurance and a myriad of other issues. Certainly, the birth of the Internet and subsequent explosion of social media has had a profound impact on how California farmers do business.

Providing a venue for small farmers and their supporters to come together to network, learn, discuss and grow, the California Small Farm Conference has continually gained momentum and attendance. Over the years, an estimated 7,500 attendees have benefited from the short courses, programs, keynote speeches and events.

Our Mission is to conduct an educational conference on topics relevant to family farming, direct marketing and issues related to agricultural sustainability.