Summer 2025 News

Note from the CEO

It’s been a dynamic year at FarmLink already, and despite the turmoil at the federal level we’ve been making headway on the four major goals of our strategic plan. 

• As the backbone of our wealth building strategy, the FarmLink lending department has been working tirelessly to deploy capital to hard working farmers, ranchers and fishers with 50% of our total volume going towards low income and Latine borrowers year to date.
• Our staff have made three trips to DC for partner meetings and Hill visits on behalf of small farmers this year. In fact, advocacy has become an ever-more important thread of our activity. Through strategic coalitions, grasstops outreach, and grassroots organizing, we’re leveraging the democratic process to advocate for threatened programs and the federal agencies that make them possible.
• On the education front, the popularity of our Resilerator program has led us to increase capacity for the fall, with twenty applicants already. 

We’re excited about where we are mid way through the year, regardless of the challenges. The success of our programs comes from the dedication of our staff, commitment of our funders and investors, and our shared mission to serve farmers, fishers, and ranchers.

Warmly,
Reggie Knox

Table of Contents

How the Regenerator Supported Old Grove Orange's Succession Journey

Anna Nakamura Knight built a successful career on the trading floors of Tokyo and Hong Kong, mastering the fast-moving language of global finance. A Columbia University alumna, she embraced life overseas, excelling in a demanding, high-powered environment where her days revolved around numbers, strategy, and commanding cityscapes.

But something deeper began to call her back. Not just to the land, but to her roots. “I felt a deep calling to come home and contribute to our family farm,” she says now, standing in the fields of her childhood home in Redlands.

Old Grove Orange is a fifth-generation citrus farm with deep roots. Some citrus trees on the property have been producing fruit for more than 100 years. The farm’s history is steeped in resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to community; a legacy cultivated by Anna’s parents, Bob Knight and Aki Nakamura. Together, they led the business through major transitions, shifting crops, adapting to changing markets, and expanding the farm’s community impact. Over the years, they became pioneers in the farm-to-school movement, supplying fresh produce to more than 40 local schools and partnering with neighboring farms to improve access and affordability.

“My parents have always been visionaries,” Anna says. “They’ve built something that’s deeply rooted in values, and I feel so lucky to carry that forward and help shape what it becomes next.”

When Anna returned to the farm two years ago, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. She stepped into a leadership role  supporting grower relationships, managing customer accounts, and overseeing operations and sales. She also began preparing to take on more of the production side, something that required more than just showing up. It meant grappling with the full weight of succession: not only the legal and financial complexities, but also the emotional realities of stepping into a legacy.

“We knew succession was going to be hard, but we weren’t sure on where to start,” Anna says.

That’s when Anna and her family discovered The Regenerator: A Year of Farm Succession Planning, a course offered by California FarmLink to guide farm families like hers through the complex and deeply personal process of succession planning. 

“We went to EcoFarm and attended a session on succession. They talked about this amazing workshop called The Regenerator… we signed up and just could not wait for it to begin,” she says.

Over several months, FarmLink staff helped the Knight family clarify their goals, explore legal and financial structures, and most importantly, have conversations they hadn’t been able to have on their own. These regular discussions created a supportive environment where difficult topics could be addressed openly and thoughtfully. “Succession is so personal,” Anna says. “Every operation is different, and because it’s also financial, it’s hard to really get into the nitty-gritty, even with close friends.”

One of the most powerful tools the course offered was mediation support through a partnership with the California Agricultural Mediation Program (CALAMP). “Our facilitator, Mary Campbell from CALAMP, organized a meeting for my family that brought all of us closer together,” Anna says. “Her calm guidance allowed us to navigate tough conversations with respect, starting a more fulfilling chapter in our relationships.”

Alongside mediation, the course introduced the Knights to an innovative transition model they had not previously considered. Rather than transferring ownership of the existing business, something that would have triggered costly taxes, Anna formed a new company to manage operations, while keeping the land and legacy in place. “We would never have thought of that,” she says. “Once we socialized the idea with our attorneys and CPA, they both said, ‘This makes perfect sense.’”

This fresh approach transformed their entire succession strategy. Anna reflects, “Truthfully, even the nuts and bolts of how we’re going to do succession came out of the course. It really solved a lot of the technical needs that we had, not just relationally, but in terms of transition strategy and professional guidance.” By separating operational management from land ownership, the family was able to protect their assets while creating a smoother, more flexible path forward.

Throughout the process, her parents’ involvement has been essential. Their decades of experience and ongoing mentorship provide Anna with the confidence and support she needs to grow into her leadership role. “This is not about replacing my parents. It’s a collaboration. They’re my mentors, sounding boards, and partners. That involvement made succession feel less like a handoff and more like building a future together.”

As her role continues to grow, Anna also leads educational outreach and partnerships with 28 local farming families, helping deliver fresh produce to schools across 64 districts. She calls herself the farm’s “farmer partner,” reflecting her growing role and deep collaboration with her parents as they build the farm’s future together.

Thanks to The Regenerator, Anna and the Knight family gained the tools, structure, and confidence to navigate change together. Their business is stronger, their family bonds deeper, and their commitment to community clearer than ever. Through this support, they developed a resourceful succession plan that balances honoring tradition with embracing innovation, strengthening both their farm and its role within the local community.

“Succession is about more than business continuity. It’s about honoring our heritage and nurturing a sustainable future. We’re not just farming oranges; we’re cultivating relationships and community.”

With new leadership in place, Old Grove Orange is growing toward a future where the farm’s legacy will thrive for generations to come. Follow @oldgrovefarms to see how this legacy of fresh citrus, local partnerships, and hands-on education continues to bloom. Learn more about FarmLink’s succession planning program here.

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2024 Annual Report

We’re pleased to share California FarmLink’s 2024 Annual Report with our community of clients, funders, impact investors, and friends. The report outlines how we remain focused on the resilience of client businesses as well as the organization’s health. Clients featured include Amanda Janney, KM Mushrooms in Sonoma County, Carlos Sanchez and Santa America Mendez in Ventura County, and Domitila Tapia of Mimi’s Organic Farms in Monterey County. The report illustrates direct services and support for people in 32 California counties. It was a record year, with $13.4 million in loans, 48 land tenure agreements, and dozens of course graduates. We’re grateful for everyone involved in this work who make it all possible. Learn more here.

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Learning from the results of the Impact Survey

We have been learning from the results of the annual impact survey in recent weeks, compiled by staff members Jeremy Ginsberg and Francisco Yanez in a 236-page report. With consistent outreach including phone calls, they now have four years of data. What are we learning?

We ask course participants, for example, “How helpful have [the] education programs been?” and 97% said “very or somewhat helpful.” Finding land is a timeless challenge. Among 88 respondents who used  our Land Portal, 38% reported finding land through the portal and 8% found land through other means, a fairly consistent result over four years. One write-in response illustrates how some people benefit from multiple programs over the years:

“FarmLink has been the single biggest outside resource for our farm business. We have had positive experiences with two different land searches and lease agreements, operating loans, a development loan, referral to mediation services, and business courses. We find Farmlink's staff to be friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and consistent in following up with our needs and questions.”

Among borrowers, 88% of respondents said they were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to recommend FarmLink’s loan program to others. Of all the 188 respondents, 87% said that FarmLink made a positive impact on their businesses. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey!

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Navigating Policy in 2025

Over the past few months, the FarmLink team has created several occasions to engage with elected officials and their staff, especially in the nation’s capital. This summer we’re part of two coalitions working to bring policymakers onto farms and into client communities. We aim to connect them with the people we serve, bring client’s voices to the table, and discuss the solutions we deliver. Recently we had the opportunity to express ideas based on what we learn from our work, which resulted in a timely article, “Tariffs and California Agriculture,” which reflects on proposed tariffs and local food systems. Read it here. We urge our community to get engaged in calls to action from FarmLink and our many partners in the months ahead.

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Applications Open for Fall 2025 Resilerator™ Course

We are now accepting applications for our 9^th annual Resilerator™ course, a 10-week program tailored for individuals with at least two years of experience owning or operating a farm, ranch, or fishing business. Designed to enhance the health and resilience of businesses, this course functions similar to a business accelerator, but prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term profits. 

Virtual classes will take place on Wednesdays from October 2 to December 18. Topics include how to structure land and business ownership, labor, accounting, taxes, cash flow, credit, insurance, and environmental regulations. Profitability and financial resilience are at the forefront of each class.

Participants share positive feedback, for example: “It has sharpened my focus in ways that give me greater optimism that I can succeed and be profitable,” one participant said. Another added, “The breadth of knowledge was excellent, the topics were thoughtfully chosen, and the class facilitation flowed smoothly.”

The course has filled up for the past three years, so early registration is encouraged! The application deadline is September 8. Don’t miss your chance to participate in 2025. Learn more, share the course with people you know, or secure your spot today!

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Now Accepting Applications: 2025 Employment Resilerator™

Small- and medium-sized employers face real challenges in offering high-quality jobs while balancing economic pressures. In agriculture, these challenges are magnified; the sector struggles to attract and retain workers in a competitive labor market where job quality is often low. Addressing these employment barriers is essential to building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable agricultural workforce.

To meet this challenge, we’re launching the third year of the Employment Resilerator™, a 10-week course that empowers agricultural business owners to create and lead stronger, more resilient teams. The program offers hands-on tools to raise job quality, create inclusive workplaces, and move beyond legal compliance.

Previously available only to Resilerator™ or Resilerador™ graduates, the course is now open to other qualifying employers! To view full eligibility criteria, please visit the course page.

Classes will be held virtually on Tuesdays, from October 7 to December 16, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. PT (no class on November 25). The application deadline is September 16.

The course was co-created by FarmLink and Judith Redmond of Full Belly Farm, a longtime leader in California's sustainable agriculture movement.

Help us spread the word! If you work with business owners who may be a good fit, please encourage them to apply!

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Welcome to the Team

We're thrilled to welcome new colleagues who bring talent, passion, and purpose to our work at California FarmLink.

Matthew Hess, Loan Officer

Matthew supports the loan team by analyzing financial data and collaborating with farmers and fishers to better understand their businesses and goals. With a passion for finance and operational excellence, he is committed to advancing FarmLink’s mission to strengthen overlooked yet vital food systems. 

“Working at FarmLink allows me to make meaningful change in industries and communities that are critical to our well-being but often taken for granted.”

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Cecilia Palmtag, Executive Assistant

Cecilia provides essential support to our CEO, Reggie Knox, and the Executive Leadership Team, managing key communications, coordinating schedules, and preparing for Board and Council meetings. She also oversees daily operations, including administrative processes and facilities management, to help the organization run smoothly.

“As an administrator, my goal is to make processes, scheduling, and organization as seamless and enjoyable as possible, so that people can focus on what they do best.”

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Jose Dueñas, Accounting Associate

Jose plays a key role in supporting FarmLink’s financial operations, bringing a strong commitment to transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. Beyond his core accounting responsibilities, he serves as the organization’s go-to specialist on our expense management system and ensures seamless processing and compliance.

“By working closely with leadership, we foster a culture of precision that strengthens our financial strategy and drives operational excellence.”

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‍Katia Carranza, Senior Program Associate (ECWL)

Katia supports the Land Access Program, the Land Portal, and community outreach initiatives focused on agricultural clients in San Diego County and Southern California. As the first team member dedicated exclusively to this region, she plays a vital role in expanding access to FarmLink’s services and deepening connections with partner programs.

“I’m excited to amplify the organization’s impact by building strong relationships with local efforts, landholders, and farmers.”

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Explore more about our staff and board members, the dedicated people who drive our work.

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We're Hiring!

We're expanding our team and seeking a passionate Loan Administration Associate eager to make a meaningful impact in California’s agricultural and fishing communities.

If you’re interested, please email your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role to humanresources@cafarmlink.org. Be sure to include the job title in the subject line.

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