The Ecology Center and the CAFM is collaborating with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to address a critical data gap in specialty crop(fruit and veggie) pricing information from farm direct sales sites.

Farm-direct Sales Sites are vital for small and mid-sized family farmers of diverse backgrounds who operate using sustainable growing practices. 

This project aims to collect and analyze pricing data for specialty crops and cow dairy products at farmers' markets across California in order to bridge this gap and support local small and mid-sized farmers in communicating farm-direct pricing across the state. By aggregating farmers market pricing data for publication, the project will enhance market transparency and contribute to the economic viability of sustainable agriculture practiced by small farmers. By undertaking this project, the EC aims to improve pricing transparency, support local food systems (small and mid-sized farmers), and contribute to the environmental and economic sustainability of farm direct sales sites.

The Alliance is looking to subcontract with a diverse selection of 20-25 CA farmers’ markets from various regions to participate in specialty crop and cow dairy pricing data collection. Administrative costs will be covered by this grant. 

If you are interested in subcontracting with the Ecology Center, please contact rosio@ecologycenter.org