Today we are still working hard to complete LFPP Deliverables, and to expand access for BIPOC producers to the pilot hub work that is already in progress. If you’d like to support our work, please check out our support page here.

On October 16th, Collective Food Systems Working Groups from Santa Clara and San Mateo as well as the CDFA Farm to Hub program brought together over 70 stakeholders in Food Hub development. Share outs focused on collective challenges, opportunities, and visions for what the future can look like. Learn more here.

- First round Feb-May $250K Farms Together 

- Renewed for $1.2M + for next year  

- Pulling in additional BIPOC growers from other regions 

- Concurrently, Brisa Ranch, was able to begin a pilot project through the Farms Together Program, which supports smaller scale BIPOC aggregation and sales at better than market rate prices to local Bay Area Food Banks, this program was recently renewed with Brisa leading administration of further additional rounds of funding topping out at $1.5M.

In 2024, the LFPP work kicked into high gear, we created a regional producer survey to capture interest and logistical flows across dozens of farms along the coastside. That data was shared out, along with other updates relating to the LFPP to the newly re-formed AG Markets Working Group . Meanwhile, ongoing market research, and analysis was taking place, along with survey data validation, and participant interviews.

Throughout the summer of 2023, in June and August, the project team shared development and hub proposals with the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee, as well as the San Mateo County Food Systems Alliance.

In spring 2023, we re-applied for the USDA LFPP program and were awarded $127,000 in the fall to design a business plan, assess feasibility, and update market research on aggregated distribution. The grant enabled collaboration with experts like S.A.G.E founder Sibella Krauss and Matt Kowta of B.A.E., as well as the revival of the Ag Markets Working Group, that advised and guided the Coastside Local project throughout 2024.

Report outs to Koren Widdel and RCD Agricultural Program Manager.

Once funded, we engaged a diverse range of agricultural representatives, prioritizing Queer and BIPOC growers, through outreach and four working group meetings. These discussions clarified challenges in market access and identified the potential benefits of coordinated co-storage, aggregation, and transportation.

This work resulted in a proposal for a regional Food Hub to improve market access infrastructure and renewed interest in updating the As Fresh As It Gets regional brand.

Recognizing the need for resources, the Project Team applied for a USDA Local Food Promotion Program Planning grant in spring 2022 to support market analysis, business planning, and site assessment for a potential hub. Though unsuccessful for 2023, feedback from the application informed additional Ag Markets Group efforts, leading to a successful grant in 2023-2024.

The project leadership team of San Mateo County RCD, Kitchen Table Advisors, TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation, and Brisa Ranch, developed, wrote, and submitted a SAREP GRANT Proposal to support the development of a farmer led Ag Markets Working Group, made up of a diverse group of producers in the region.

This event, hosted by the Mixing Bowl, San Mateo County Farm Bureau, Resource Conservation District, Brisa Ranch, Kitchen Table Advisors, and TomKat Ranch, brought together coastal agricultural producers and stakeholders to discuss community challenges. It highlighted the need for increased funding, resources, and equitable leadership to move from identifying challenges to co-creating and validating solutions with farmers.