The Small Farm Innovation Challenge
The Small Farm Innovation Challenge is an annual competition inviting farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and community innovators to propose technology-based solutions that help small-scale agriculture thrive. Hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), the Challenge serves as a platform to surface, support, and advance innovations that are practical, affordable, and impactful for small farms in California’s Central Valley. Learn more by visiting www.caff.org/innovation. Application portal is open every year from October to December.
Who It Serves
The Challenge is open to individuals and teams—including small farmers, students, technologists, and community members—who want to contribute to solving the unique challenges of small-scale agriculture. It also benefits the broader farming community by accelerating the development of tools and approaches specifically tailored to their needs.
Key Features
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Annual Open Call for Innovations – Solicits proposals that address production, labor, sustainability, or market challenges in small-scale farming.
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Cash Prizes – Awards financial support to top proposals to help move ideas forward.
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Public Recognition & Exposure – Finalists and winners are invited to share their ideas at events such as the Small Farm Tech Expo, gaining visibility among farmers, researchers, and potential partners.
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Mentorship & Feedback – Participants receive input from a panel of experts and may be connected to ongoing support opportunities through the F3 Local network and CAFF’s broader network.
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Pathway to Adoption – Promising ideas may be further developed and tested through other F3 Local initiatives like the Farm Innovation Program or SF-ADAPT.
Partners
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Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
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UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
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The 11th Hour Project - The Schmidt Family Foundation