California FarmLink

California FarmLink operates as a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to bolstering California's agricultural and food systems. Established in 1999 by four individuals, including founding director Steve Schwartz, the organization was conceived to connect retiring farmers with aspiring ones to preserve farmland. Schwartz's passion was partly driven by his family's history; his father's family had their farm seized by the Nazis, a tragedy that fueled his desire to serve agricultural communities. The organization began with a $1,200 grant and donated office space, initially focusing on linking landowners with farmers.

The institution's business model is centered on providing access to land, capital, and education, particularly for farmers who face historical barriers to these resources, such as communities of color, beginning farmers, and immigrants. As a CDFI certified in 2013, it offers a suite of financial products and services. Revenue is generated through grants from foundations, government agencies like the USDA, and impact investors, which then funds its lending programs and operational costs. This funding structure allows FarmLink to offer flexible financing, including operating, equipment, and land loans that commercial lenders might not provide to farmers with limited credit history or non-traditional business models. For example, in 2022, the organization provided 0% interest loans, and by 2024, it had originated $13.39 million in loans across 40 deals.

California FarmLink delivers its mission through three core areas: lending, education, and land access services. Its loan program provides financing from $2,500 to over $1 million for operations, equipment, and land purchases. Educational offerings include business resilience courses like "The Resilerator," available in both English and Spanish, which combine group learning with one-on-one technical assistance in financial management and business planning. The land access program helps farmers find land, develop secure lease agreements, and navigate pathways to ownership, often facilitating complex succession plans between generations. This integrated approach is designed to build business resilience and long-term wealth for its clients, thereby fostering a more equitable and sustainable local food economy.

Keywords: agricultural finance, community development financial institution, CDFI, beginning farmer support, sustainable agriculture, farm loans, land access, farm succession planning, agricultural education, farmer training, resilient food systems, wealth building for farmers, conservation agriculture, organic farming support, California agriculture, farm business management, food system equity, farmer technical assistance, farm leasing, social impact investing