Daily Harvest, American Farmland Trust (AFT), and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) recently launched a partnership that aims to help underserved farmers in California strengthen their farms and transition to sustainable agricultural practices.

The program will provide a variety of resources including educational programming and technical and financial assistance that will support 100 farms across the San Joaquin Valley and Central California. To support this initiative, Daily Harvest will also offer growers market access, allowing them to join its supply chain with premium price guarantees. AFT, CCOF, and Daily Harvest hope to support as many farmers as possible through the transition as the organizations aim to advance a regenerative food system.

“This partnership will bring a flush of new capacity and resources that allow us to scale our existing approaches to better meet the needs of farmers,” Teresa O’Connor, AFT California Communications and Outreach Manager, tells Food Tank. “By scaling up organic and regenerative agricultural methods,” she continues, “we are conserving natural resources, reducing pesticide use, supporting wildlife, increasing biodiversity, and providing nutrient-rich foods necessary for human health.”

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, unlike conventional farming methods, regenerative systems grow food without the use of harmful, synthetic chemicals, making it safer for farmers, workers and consumers. Utilizing healthy, organic, and regeneratively-managed soil helps restore the earth by absorbing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, which can help reverse the effects of climate change. Stronger than conventional soil, organic soil can also help stop erosion and runoff.

“This partnership also allows us to strengthen the connection between rural and urban communities, consumers and producers, as well as share important messages about the food supply and planet-friendly growing practices,” O’Connor says.

Read the full article about supporting underserved farmers by Carly Feldman at Food Tank.