If you're thinking about starting or expanding an agricultural business in Sonoma County, the following resources can help make sure you are in compliance with county regulations and offer guidance with any questions. Sonoma County Farm Trails is unable to provide specific guidance or advice.

UCCE Sonoma County Agriculture Resources: Visit this helpful portal for the latest on rules and regulations for dairy and eggs, agritourism, cottage food production, farmstays, meat processing, and much more. Also resources for funding, land leasing, and much more. Contact the UCCE Sonoma Agricultural Ombudsperson Kerry McGrath with any questions.

UCCE North Bay Specialty Crops: Part of the UCCE Sonoma offerings, this division and Specialty Crops Advisor Ellie Andrews offers lots of resources educational, pest management, and grants resources for specialty crops growers.

Sonoma County Department of Environmental Health & Safety: If you are processing, preparing, serving, or selling food and nonalcoholic beverage to customers, be sure you are in compliance with the County's regulations. You may need a temporary food permit or cottage food registration or permit. Review the Food Safety Program section and contact the department directly with any questions.

Permit Sonoma Agricultural Regulations: Visit this section to find out allowed with and without a permit for small-scale agricultural farm sales, CSAs, promotional activities, tasting room, cottage food production, and more.

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF): CAFF has extensive guidance for new and existing ag operations, including resources on Food Safety, Land, Finance & Business, Ag Education, Organic Certification, and more.

Sonoma County Farm Bureau: Offers extensive guidance and training for farms and ag workers, as well as advocacy.

 

Resources & Support for Immigration Issues

We want our members and their workers to be updated on the latest with respect to the impact of federal immigration activities. Here are some top relevant local resources.

• County of Sonoma's Support for Immigrant Communities
• CalCAN Immigration-Related Resources
• CAFF Immigration Clearing House
• California Farm Bureau Statement
• CA Dept of Justice Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450) FAQ
• UC Davis Campo Seguro Immigration Enforcement Resources