Farmer Circles
A Community of Organic Farmers
What is a Farmer Circle?
Organic Farmers Association was created by farmers, for farmers. OFA’s purpose is to build and support a farmer-led national organic farmer movement and we cannot do that without farmers! OFA Farmer Circles create a welcoming and safe space for farmers to cultivate community with other organic farmers. In circles, farmers may share their experiences, voice challenges, identify farmer-led solutions, support each other, and form friendships or mentorships. Farmer Circles offer a place to build a supportive community for what farmers need on a regular basis.
The term farmer circle is symbolic of the relationships we aim to establish and maintain, allowing participants to share equally in the conversation in a non-hierarchical format. Farmer Circles meet via Zoom on a monthly basis and are facilitated spaces. Participation is open to all farmers who are organic curious, in transition, or already certified. OFA membership is not required to participate.
Current Farmer Circles
Collective Farmer Circle
The Collective Farmer Circle is a standing monthly community meeting open to all. This Circle aims to serve as a landing space for folks to come and learn about OFA, connect organic farmers across the country, and discuss what’s happening in the field. This circle may offer conversational focus around national programs, farmer challenges, etc. and is facilitated by the Farmer Services Director.
Identity-Based Farmer Circles
In the same way that biological diversity is foundational to the healthy agricultural systems we support, we recognize that diversity of people makes the organic movement healthier and more sustainable. Access to the organic movements and to organic certification has not been equal across racial groups: systematic racism has kept our movement from reaching its full potential.
Identity Farmer Circles create intentional, intimate spaces of collective care where farmers come together to find connection, support, and inspiration among farmers within their same identities. Through shared community, we welcome all farmers in the organic movement.
These circles are facilitated by members of the identity and restricted to farmers and landworkers of that same identity, and will not be recorded in recognition of the need for protected space.
The Black Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Black farmers and landworkers to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Black farmers interested in navigating and engaging within organic.
This Circle meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElce-grDMiGtyvXRKuT9l6vGFJgPRvqsoJ
Meet the facilitator: Ina
I am Ina , a natural mother, a steward, a student, a homesteader, a herbalist, a great many of things that all bring me back to the connection to the earth , the connection to preservation and the connection to the revolution that is fellowship. My purpose for this work is reconnection. I understand that there is a disconnection, especially within my own community to healthy food . I understand that a lack of knowledge and resources plaques people just like me and causes a gap in lifestyle choices and my personal mission is to bridge those gaps within my community.
Please feel free to contact Ina with any questions at ina@organicfarmersassociation.org
The Asian Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Asian farmers to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Asian farmers navigating and engaging within organic.
The Asian Farmer Circle meets on the first Wednesday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwucOGtpjIvHdDDaIgWGQzSewFpjqioWWje#/registration
Meet the facilitator: Nancy
Nancy is a Chinese-American food systems advocate originally from the Sacramento metropolitan area. She has experience providing technical assistance to small-scale Asian growers in Santa Clara Valley. She speaks English and Mandarin Chinese. Nancy studied sustainable food and agriculture as well as environmental justice at Stanford University, where she obtained a B.S. and M.A. in Earth Systems.
Please feel free to contact Nancy with any questions at nancy@organicfarmersassociation.org
The Queer Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for farmers and landworkers who self-identify with any identity under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Queer farmers interested in navigating and engaging within organic.
The Queer Farmer Circle meets on the third Wednesday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kceyhrjwpHtGoESmQy7Yk7wm90tF1dBp_
Meet the facilitator: Nancy
Nancy is a Chinese-American food systems advocate originally from the Sacramento metropolitan area. She has experience providing technical assistance to small-scale Asian growers in Santa Clara Valley. She speaks English and Mandarin Chinese. Nancy studied sustainable food and agriculture as well as environmental justice at Stanford University, where she obtained a B.S. and M.A. in Earth Systems.
Please feel free to contact Nancy with any questions at nancy@organicfarmersassociation.org
The Hispanic/Latino* Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for farmers and landworkers with a background from Latin America and the Caribbean to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Hispanic/Latino farmers navigating and engaging within organic. This Circle is facilitated in English and/or Spanish, whichever the Circle prefers.
This Circle meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Register here (Registrar aquí:): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuCopjMtH9ZhQcvcyifiTcxUMC0Gd3dn
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El Círculo de Agricultores Hispanos/Latinos* es un espacio dedicado para que agricultores y trabajadores agrícolas con experiencia en América Latina y el Caribe se reúnan en comunidad para construir relaciones, compartir recursos y conocimientos, y discutir desafíos y oportunidades que pertenecen a los agricultores hispanos/latinos. navegar y participar dentro de lo orgánico. Este Círculo se imparte en inglés y/o español, según prefiera el Círculo.
Este Círculo se reúne el cuarto Martes de cada mes.
Meet the facilitator: Andrea
Andrea comes from a diverse background at the intersections of food and ag, sustainability, environmental justice, and education. Her career has given her the chance to develop sustainability programs, work on different farms, and teach culinary and farm businesses courses. She has used food as a way to rediscover and reconnect to her roots, her multiple identities, and the land she lives on.
In 2020, Andrea joined California FarmLink’s team as the Program Coordinator for El Resilerador, Farmlink’s business resilience course for Latinx farmers. She is now the Senior Program Manager where she oversees both of Farmlink’s business education programs, The Resilerator (English) and El Resilerador (Spanish). Her work with California Farmlink and her Latinx roots allow her to understand and advocate for the needs of the farmers at the base of our food systems. She also leads the DEI work at her organization and has extensive experience with facilitation and listening circles.
Andrea has spent time abroad volunteering on farms and working within rural communities. She also holds a Masters in Sustainable Solutions, with a concentration in Business Sustainability. Andrea has dedicated her time and career to fighting environmental, agricultural, and social injustices.
Please feel free to contact Andrea with any questions at andrea@organicfarmersassociation.org
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Conozca a la facilitadora: Andrea
Andrea proviene de una experiencia diversa en las intersecciones de alimentación y agricultura, sostenibilidad, justicia ambiental y educación. Su carrera le ha dado la oportunidad de desarrollar programas de sustentabilidad, trabajar en diferentes fincas e impartir cursos de gastronomía y negocios agrícolas. Ha utilizado la comida como una forma de redescubrir y reconectarse con sus raíces, sus múltiples identidades y la tierra en la que vive.
En 2020, Andrea se unió al equipo de California FarmLink como coordinadora del programa El Resilerador, el curso de resiliencia empresarial de Farmlink para agricultores latinos. Ahora es gerente senior de programas, donde supervisa los dos programas de educación empresarial de Farmlink, The Resilerator (inglés) y El Resilerador (español). Su trabajo con California Farmlink y sus raíces latinas le permiten comprender y defender las necesidades de los agricultores en la base de nuestros sistemas alimentarios. También lidera el trabajo de DEI en su organización y tiene amplia experiencia en círculos de facilitación y escucha.
Andrea ha pasado tiempo en el extranjero como voluntaria en granjas y trabajando en comunidades rurales. También tiene una Maestría en Soluciones Sostenibles, con concentración en Sostenibilidad Empresarial. Andrea ha dedicado su tiempo y su carrera a luchar contra las injusticias ambientales, agrícolas y sociales.
No dude en ponerse en contacto con Andrea si tiene alguna pregunta en andrea@organicfarmersassociation.org
The Indigenous* Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Indigenous farmers, land protectors, and stewards to come together in community, share knowledge, and support one another while navigating and/or engaging with the organic space.
Meeting details forthcoming. Stay tuned!
Upcoming Farmer Circles
The Black Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Black farmers and landworkers to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Black farmers interested in navigating and engaging within organic.
This Circle meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElce-grDMiGtyvXRKuT9l6vGFJgPRvqsoJ
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectively participate in conversation.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfumgrDoiHNalcyU81tL100yajhTeyAv3
Please email Nancy with any questions: nancy@organicfarmersassociation.org
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectfully participate in conversation.
The Hispanic/Latino* Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for farmers and landworkers with a background from Latin America and the Caribbean to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Hispanic/Latino farmers navigating and engaging within organic. This Circle is facilitated in English and/or Spanish, whichever the Circle prefers.
This Circle meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Register here (Registrar aquí:): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuCopjMtH9ZhQcvcyifiTcxUMC0Gd3dn
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectfully participate in conversation.
The Asian Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Asian farmers to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Asian farmers navigating and engaging within organic.
The Asian Farmer Circle meets on the first Wednesday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwucOGtpjIvHdDDaIgWGQzSewFpjqioWWje#/registration
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectfully participate in conversation.
A standing monthly (second Wednesday) community meeting open to all. This Circle aims to serve as a landing space for folks to come and learn about OFA, connect with new and existing members, and discuss what’s happening in the field. This circle may offer conversational focus around national programs, farmer challenges, etc. and is facilitated by the Farmer Services Director.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfumgrDoiHNalcyU81tL100yajhTeyAv3
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectively participate in conversation.
The Black Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for Black farmers and landworkers to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Black farmers interested in navigating and engaging within organic.
This Circle meets on the second Thursday of the month.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElce-grDMiGtyvXRKuT9l6vGFJgPRvqsoJ
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectively participate in conversation.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfumgrDoiHNalcyU81tL100yajhTeyAv3
Please email Nancy with any questions: nancy@organicfarmersassociation.org
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectfully participate in conversation.
The Hispanic/Latino* Farmer Circle is a dedicated space for farmers and landworkers with a background from Latin America and the Caribbean to come together in community to build relationships, share resources and knowledge, and discuss challenges and opportunities that pertain to Hispanic/Latino farmers navigating and engaging within organic. This Circle is facilitated in English and/or Spanish, whichever the Circle prefers.
This Circle meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Register here (Registrar aquí:): https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqfuCopjMtH9ZhQcvcyifiTcxUMC0Gd3dn
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectfully participate in conversation.
A standing monthly (second Wednesday) community meeting open to all. This Circle aims to serve as a landing space for folks to come and learn about OFA, connect with new and existing members, and discuss what’s happening in the field. This circle may offer conversational focus around national programs, farmer challenges, etc. and is facilitated by the Farmer Services Director.
Register via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfumgrDoiHNalcyU81tL100yajhTeyAv3
*Note, by registering for this circle, you certify that you are a member of this community and plan to actively and respectively participate in conversation.
Get Involved
Complete this Interest Form to learn more about Farmer Circles and how to get involved.
If a Farmer Circle is not currently offered that interests you, please email Racial Equity Project Manager Ryann Monteiro at ryann(at)organicfarmersassociation.org.
*We use the term “Indigenous” as adapted from the NDN Collective: “Peoples as ethnic communities whose direct ancestral lineage descends from the earliest, original inhabitants of a given region, in contrast to groups that have settled, occupied, and/or colonized the region more recently. The land on which we live and the natural resources on which we depend are inextricably linked to our identities, cultures, livelihoods, as well as our physical and spiritual well-being. The estimated Indigenous population is approximately 370 million people worldwide (5% of the global population). We use Indigenous peoples with an “s” to recognize the diversity of individuals and groups that identify with the term, which has been distilled to a singular noun throughout history in an attempt to group our people together rather than recognize our differences and diversity. This is consistent with the UN Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Based on this definition, do you identify as Indigenous to the Turtle Island/the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), Mexico, or Canada?
*We use the term “Hispanic/Latino” to represent people who come from, or have family roots coming from, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the United States, two terms are most frequently used, sometimes interchangeably: Hispanic, and some variation of Latino, Latina, or Latinx. These terms aim to represent a diverse group of people (19% of U.S. population (2023)), representing diverse cultures and languages. While farmers may connect more with one of these terms, or their country-of-origin, for the purposes of the Farmer Circle, we are using the term Latino, which is the term used by the National Latino Farmers & Ranchers Trade Association.