Note from the CEO
Dear friends,
As FarmLink concludes its 25th year, I want to share a portion of our recent publication, What is an Agricultural CDFI? Creating the in-depth document provided many opportunities to reflect on our work, and I want to share a portion with you here:
25 Years So Far - The Emerging Significance of Agricultural CDFIs
California FarmLink did not start out as a CDFI, or even as a lender. In 1999, it started with a focus on disappearing farmland, the structural inequities that make it so difficult for small farmers to stay in business, and the belief that healthy farms and healthy food are essential to healthy communities. These same concerns were at the heart of the mission of many other nonprofit organizations then and have led to many other organizations joining and leading in this work today. Through 25 years of evolution, FarmLink has developed a model that allows it to make consistent and meaningful contributions to the larger goal of a just and sustainable food system.
All across the nation, as people look to undo centuries of systemic racial oppression and human-driven climate change, they turn to their own communities and ask basic questions: Where does our food come from? Who controls our food? How is it grown? How does it get to us? How will we ensure we are all fed in the event of a disaster? These questions all lead to new and revitalized efforts to shape a food system based on human dignity and ecological values. For some, that pursuit leads straight away from capitalism, but for others, like FarmLink, it leads to a deeper understanding of the role of capital in food systems, and the hope that not-for-profit capital can be a powerful force for ensuring that at least a part of the food system remains independent of international corporations, and intertwined with local communities.
We appreciate your involvement in FarmLink’s journey over the years, including our clients, funders, donors, and investors. As we look ahead to critical work in 2025, I urge you to support California FarmLink. Join our sustaining donors program with a gift of $25 a month, in honor of all the work these past 25 years, or any gift that makes sense for you. Thank you.
Reggie Knox, CEO
Table of Contents
Winter Sister Farm: Cultivating Resilience and Community in the Heart of Sonoma County
In the heart of Sonoma County, Winter Sister Farm stands as a beacon of resilience and community spirit. Founded in 2020 by sisters Anna and Sarah Dozor, the farm has grown into a vital part of the local agricultural landscape, thanks to the unwavering support of their community and the instrumental role of California FarmLink.
Winter Sister Farm began with two sisters who found their way to farming through different paths. Anna started with livestock and dairy, while Sarah pursued gardening. By 2018, both were farming independently but often discussed the possibility of working together. Years of conversations and holidays spent envisioning their shared future finally led them to purchase a property close to Sebastopol in 2020. Their vision: an accessible farm that could serve the local community.
Starting a farm is never easy, and Winter Sister Farm was no exception. The sisters faced numerous challenges, from idealistic business plans to unexpected financial hurdles. Scaling up faster than anticipated, they quickly realized the financial realities of farming was far different from their initial projections. Acquiring equipment proved to be one of their biggest hurdles. "We didn't have anything to get into the ground until the week before we had to start planting," Sarah recalls.
Fortunately, the local farming community became their lifeline. "We needed so much more from other people than we expected," Sarah admits. From borrowing equipment to using a neighbor’s well for irrigation, the sisters leaned heavily on this support network. Even the equipment they eventually purchased was found through this network. “A neighbor knew we were looking for a specific piece of equipment and connected us to someone who had exactly what we needed,” Sarah shares.
The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model has been a cornerstone of Winter Sister Farm's success. Their primary goal is to provide food to the community during the cold, wet months when many local farms scale down or close. They work hard all summer to grow staple storage crops like potatoes, winter squash, onions, and beans, which are stockpiled and distributed from November through May. This year-round effort ensures that their CSA members receive a diverse array of produce even in the off-season. This model also provided a stable income stream and a committed customer base that understood the challenges of winter farming. When a severe windstorm destroyed their hoop houses, the CSA members rallied to help rebuild, demonstrating the strength of community support. "Not a single member complained when we couldn't provide salad greens for a few weeks," Sarah notes. This level of trust and commitment from their customers has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of farming.
Winter Sister Farm is exploring new markets as they continue to grow, including farmers' markets and wholesale opportunities. They remain committed to their CSA model but recognize the importance of diversifying their income streams. Their relationship with California FarmLink has been instrumental in their journey. Operating loans from FarmLink have helped bridge the financial gaps between growing seasons, allowing them to scale up and improve their financial management. "The support from California FarmLink has been crucial," Sarah emphasizes. "Their loans helped us manage the seasonal financial gaps and provided the stability we needed to grow."
Anna and Sarah encourage aspiring farmers to approach the journey with realism and preparation. "Be realistic about your financial situation and have a clear plan for the first few years,” they advised. “Understand your goals and be prepared to let go of less critical aspects to focus on what's essential." Winter Sister Farm stands as a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and adaptability in farming. The sisters’ journey proves that even the most challenging dreams can become a reality with determination and the right support.
The Dozor sisters’ Winter Sister Farm CSA offers an exclusive experience for its approximately 150 members, who enjoy weekly visits to the farm to hand-select fresh vegetables and pick their own flowers and herbs. CSA shares start at $830 for a 24-week season, running from November through May. For nonmembers, the farm also operates a public farmstand, open on Tuesdays from 2–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Winter Sister Farm - 1670 Cooper Road, Sebastopol
Sharing our business model
Our work stands out as one of the first Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) devoted to small-scale, sustainable, and organic farmers. Over the years, many groups working to support equitable access to capital in their own communities have turned to FarmLink as a model. Over the course of three years, we worked with, and learned from, both new and established partners around the country.
One result of that work is a new addition to our resource library – What is an Agricultural CDFI? – outlining FarmLink’s business model. The 75-page publication details how we do our lending work and shares the types of resources needed to make it possible. We chose to focus on USDA programs in particular, and how they can help CDFIs and nonprofit loan programs to create more equitable access to fair and affordable capital, especially for farmers of color and beginning farmers. We will carry forward what we have learned to protect the resources necessary to expand equitable opportunity in agriculture. Learn more here.
Grow Your Agricultural Business with El Resilerador™
As we approach the fifth year of El Resilerador™, our flagship program for Spanish-speaking farmers, ranchers, and fishers with more than two years of experience, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to strengthen and grow your agricultural business. This program is designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for sustainable growth and financial health.
From January 29 to March 12, every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in Salinas, we will offer an interactive and hands-on curriculum. You’ll dive into vital topics such as business structure, labor practices, record-keeping, taxes, and much more—fundamental areas for managing risks and building a strong financial foundation. Our experienced instructors will guide you with patience and clarity, ensuring you gain practical and applicable knowledge for your business.
"El Resilerador was a great course for my husband, José, and me as we worked to improve our farm," says Antonia Vega González, owner of Dulce Farm. "The instructors have a remarkable ability to break down complex topics into clear and understandable lessons. I now feel confident managing all aspects of my business, from finances to risk management. The strategies we learned have given us the confidence and knowledge to grow our farm and achieve lasting success."
We want to remind you that applications are open until the first week of January, and we encourage residents of the Monterey Bay area to apply. If you have questions or need help signing up, please contact Samantha Estrada, Senior Program Associate.
Don’t miss this opportunity to increase your resilience and create long-term success for your business. Learn more and register [here].
Take the Land Access Experiences Survey today!
The California Agricultural Land Equity Task Force (Task Force) is seeking your input on your experiences, challenges, and priorities related to equitable land access in California! The Task Force is developing recommendations on how to equitably increase access to land in California, which they will submit to the State Legislature and Governor by January 1, 2026.
We’re particularly interested in hearing about your experiences with finding, accessing, and managing land for agriculture and traditional tribal uses. The survey is quick, taking only 10 minutes, and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
We’d love your help sharing the survey with your community and networks. While it’s open until January 31, 2025, spreading the word before the holidays will make a big impact.
Thank you for your support in advancing equitable land access in California!
National Notes support growing demand for FarmLink loans
Join in making an impact with our National Notes for accredited investors. California FarmLink has been stewarding impact investments since 2006. Since then, hundreds of farmers, ranchers, and fishers have accessed more than $75 million in fair and affordable loans to steward their lands, their gear, and their business resilience. This year we’ve deployed $12.8 million in loans, including $7.8 million in 12 land loans ranging from Del Norte to Ventura counties.
The National Notes offering is a popular solution among investment advisors focused on social and environmental impact for their clients. The pro forma notes are available in most states, including California, with a minimum investment of $100,000. Learn more here and contact our team with any questions.
California FarmLink Office Closure for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of the California FarmLink community. Your support inspires us to continue empowering farmers, ranchers, and fishers across California.
Our office will be closed from Wednesday, December 25, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. During this time, our team will be taking a well-deserved break to spend time with loved ones.
If you anticipate any urgent needs or questions, we kindly ask that you reach out to us before December 24 so we can assist you in advance. Our team will be back on Thursday, January 2, 2025, energized and ready to continue working alongside you to meet your goals in the year ahead.
From all of us at California FarmLink, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous start to 2025! We’re eager to continue supporting you in the new year and all the opportunities it will bring.
We’re hiring!
California FarmLink is growing, and we’re on the lookout for passionate individuals to fill the following roles:
Ready to make an impact and take the next step in your career? Apply now and be a driving force behind positive change in California's farming and fishing communities.
