About Fork & Shovel

This San Francisco-based membership group fosters, guides, and safeguards the biodynamic farming method. General info on Biodynamics and it’s originator Rudolph Steiner; conferences; literature and publications; advice for farmers and gardeners; directory of related local and regional groups; job listings; events; books; planting calendar; more. Introductory article: “What is Biodynamics?”

CCOF is the only full service organic certification and trade association providing premier organic certification programs and trade association benefits to farms, processors, private labelers, retailers, restaurants, brokers, and supporting members including individuals, suppliers and service providers. CCOF helps you succeed with marketing and PR support and stay informed by supporting the growth of organic foods and agriculture through certification services, organic education, promotion, political advocacy.

The oldest farming organization in California focused on issues of sustainability in agriculture. They have been central in numerous successful efforts to broaden farmer adoption of sustainable farming techniques and link local producers to school systems.

The Ecological Farming Association nurtures healthy and just farms, food systems, communities and environment by bringing people together for education, alliance building and advocacy.

The aim of Green String Institute’s educational program is to educate a new generation of farmers who respect the earth and respond to the needs of their surroundings as they raise food that brings health to their local populations; who strive to improve the biology of the lands that they steward while at the same time growing healthy, vibrant food that is pleasurable to eat.

Preservation Through Dissemination

New Farm has inspired and informed farmers worldwide for more than 29 years – first in print and now online.

Featured are farmer-to-farmer resources, articles and personal stories that explain how to make regenerative farming profitable and build supportive communities.

Northern California Farm Credit is a lending cooperative for people involved in any aspect of agriculture.

Seed Savers Exchangeis a non-profit, member supported organization that saves and shares the heirloom seeds of our garden heritage, forming a living legacy that can be passed down through generations. Our loyal SSE members have distributed an estimated 1 million samples of rare garden seeds since our founding nearly 35 years ago. Those seeds now are widely used by seed companies, small farmers supplying local and regional markets, chefs and home gardeners and cooks, alike.

The University of California Small Farm Program focuses on the challenges and opportunities of California’s small-scale farm operators.

We develop field and marketing research aimed at the needs of small- and moderate-scale farmers, and provide that information to farmers who are often not reached by traditional extension programs. Our clients include farmers of many different cultures who operate a wide variety of farming operations, often with limited resources.

We operate the successful Sonoma County Organic Recycling program. We produce premium quality organic compost and mulch from 100% recycled organics. Our soil products are used by Sonoma County’s most prestigious grape growers, organic farmers, backyard gardeners and professional landscapers. We also sell good quality recycled lumber and firewood at very affordable prices.

We have one of northern California’s largest selection of organic compost mulches. Our Sonoma Compost, Mallard Mulch, Brown Rice and Vineyard Mulch are all listed as “Allowed” materials with the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in the production of organic food and fiber. Because of our listing, you’ll find our compost used on a number of California Certified Organic Farms (CCOF).

The California Small Farm Conference is the state’s premier gathering of small farmers and those who support them. The three day educational conference includes on-farm tours, focused workshops, general educational sessions and opportunities for peer networking.