Daily Harvest announced today a multi-year partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) to support historically underserved farming communities in California. Together they will work to improve farm viability in the region and expand the acreage of farmland, adopting organic and regenerative farming practices.
The partnership will enable the organizations to continue to advance organic agriculture, promote environmentally sound farming practices, and increase access to organically grown fruits and vegetables, all while centering on equity in the farming community. This commitment toward supporting historically underserved farmers and addressing service gaps will further improve human and planetary health.
"Since the beginning, Daily Harvest has been committed to transforming the food system from the ground up," said Rachel Drori, Founder + CEO of Daily Harvest. "Today, less than 1% of U.S. farmland is organic. This partnership is another step forward to helping drive regenerative farming practices as we aim to increase the amount of organic farmland. By assisting California farmers that have been historically underserved, giving them technical and financial assistance, and developing market opportunities, we're making it easier for everyone to eat more real, unrefined fruits and vegetables every day."
Together, Daily Harvest, CCOF and AFT will develop a suite of services, including tailored technical and financial resources for farmers who have lacked access, and support as many farmers as possible in the transition to organic production. By providing educational programming and offering financial assistance, the three organizations will help to address service gaps and meet farmers' needs. The shared goal to scale up regenerative agriculture within the U.S. farming community can lead to more profitable and sustainable farm operations that are better for humans and the planet.
"We're thrilled to join forces to help push forward and support the growth of organic agriculture," said Jessica Beckett Parr, Chief Program Officer at CCOF. "As people become more and more aware of the benefits, demand for organic food continues to grow. But in order to expand the acres of organic farmland available, it's critical that we equip farmers with the appropriate tools to help them in their transition."
"The average California farmer is a 59-year-old white male and about 40% of farmland is going to change hands in the next 15 years," explained Teresa O'Connor, AFT California Communications and Outreach Manager. "This partnership will support the economic viability and climate resilience of socially disadvantaged and marginalized farmers, who are poised to help fill the void in this generational shift."
Together the organizations will equip farmers with the tools needed to be successful in their transition, leading to more organic and regenerative food in the fields and on our plates. Over the course of the partnership, Daily Harvest will consider participants as future supply chain partners.
For more information: dailyharvest.com