Facts from Farmers was softly launched in September 2020. Within the next few months, a group of farmers in the Santa Maria Valley gathered to establish a formal board and finalize founding documents as a 501(c)6 non-profit.
Our Approach
Generations ago, most people either farmed themselves or directly knew a farmer. Today, we've become disconnected from the lands and the hands that produce our food. When something goes wrong in our food supply, it's easy to blame a company for perceived negligence. Sometimes, we forget that there are real and honest people, who are forced to make tough decisions. We want to share with you some of those people, their stories, and their struggles.
Farmers and Ranchers
Contrary to popular belief, 98% of U.S. farms are family-operated. These farm and ranch families account for less than 2% of the total U.S. population. One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually, nationally and abroad. Farmers and ranchers today are more efficient, using less inputs, less water, less labor, and less fuel. For more farm facts, visit fb.org.
Farm and Ranch
Many crops are not subsidized. In 2017, only 30% of all farms received government payment. California is the #1 ag producing state, second is Washington state, followed by Florida, Arizona, and then Idaho. Additionally, California accounts for 40% of all organic production in the United States. There are over 400 different commodities grown in California, and the state produces 90% of the following: almonds, apricots, artichokes, avocados, broccoli, dates, celery, cauliflower, kiwifruit, garlic, figs, lemons, nectarines, olives, lettuce, pistachios, plums, pomegranates, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Interested in Contributing?
We're looking to expand our resources to include farmers and ranchers of other commodities around the United States.