CA Farmlink

Established in 1999, FarmLink supports beginning, limited-resource, immigrant and other underserved farmers. We work across the state, with particular focus on the Central Coast, Central Valley, and North Coast regions. Our partnerships with farm training programs, government agencies, impact investors, and other nonprofits help farmers access land and financing. California FarmLink was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2013. It is one of the first agricultural CDFIs in the nation focused on sustainable and organic agriculture, and economic and environmental resilience. Our vision includes: Equitable access to economic opportunity in food and agriculture. Skilled farmers and ranchers who are able to build wealth. Healthy food, people, and natural resources. We’re building a diverse and sustainable farming community that includes women, people of color, and immigrants – all of whom are often under-capitalized. These farmers are the future of a healthy, regionalized food system. Our staff and business advisers provide one-on-one technical assistance, workshops, connections, resources, and other solutions: FarmLink Loans provide flexibly structured financing to underserved and beginning farmers for operations, equipment, and land. We serve borrowers who would otherwise have difficulty securing financing due to limited business history and other factors. Land Access is facilitated through a community of landseekers who demonstrate credentials, landholders with farmland for lease or sale, and our work to connect people, develop and negotiate strong agreements, and support pathways to ownership. Ag Elders and the Next Generation creates farmland and business succession strategies for the founders of California’s organic agriculture movement. We help farmers to set clear goals for business transition, linking, financing, and mentorship. Through this work, FarmLink seeks to help established farms pass on valuable knowledge and infrastructure to the next generation.