Funding to Build a Stronger Marketing Strategy for Your Farm - California State University Chico - Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems
Open through June 28, 2026
Apply Now: Fill out your application here!
Review our Frequently Asked Questions
Watch the June 16, 2026 Webinar to learn more
Running a farm takes constant attention to production, labor, logistics, and day-to-day problem solving. It can be difficult to find the time to step back, evaluate what is working, and plan for stronger markets. This opportunity is designed to support that important planning work and help growers:
- Identify new sales opportunities
- Better understand customers and target markets
- Strengthen branding and messaging
- Evaluate current marketing efforts
- Set measurable business goals
- Build a roadmap for future growth
Importantly, growers are compensated for their time spent working on strategic planning and the ongoing evaluation of sales and marketing which are essential executive functions that directly influence the profitability and long-term success of any business.
North Valley Food Hub's Marketing Advancement Plans (MAPs) guide growers through thoughtful planning and evaluation in 3 stages and reward planning outcomes in a way that both values growers’ time and expertise and provides meaningful funding upfront, where it can do the most good in meeting farm goals.
During open enrollment periods, the North Valley Food Hub will be accepting and reviewing applications and eligibility requirements. Chosen applicants will complete 3 phases of planning and evaluation with incentive payments offered for successful completion of each phase.
Program Phases
Phase 1: Farm Marketing Self-Assessment
Incentive Payment: $5,000
Complete a guided self-assessment that evaluates your current marketing efforts, customer base, sales channels, business goals, and growth opportunities.
Phase 2: Creating a Marketing Advancement Plan
Incentive Payment: $10,000
Develop a customized marketing plan using our grower-friendly template. The plan will help establish priorities, define goals, create timelines, and set down strategies to increase market success.
Phase 3: Ongoing Improvement and Evaluation
Additional Incentive Payment: To Be Announced
Within one to two years, participants will provide feedback on their progress towards sales, marketing and on-going educational goals.
Eligibility Requirements
- Growers must primarily farm in one of the following counties: Sacramento, Yolo, Solano, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, Glenn, Butte, Tehama, Nevada, Placer
- Growers must have conducted at least $1,500 and no more than $750,000 in sales of agricultural products produced on farm in the previous year (2025).
- Growers must attest they are not receiving any duplicative state or federal funding.
- Growers must establish records with Farm Service Agency and provide NVFH with the following:
- A copy of an FSA map showing Farm, Tract and Field IDs
- A copy of the “Producer Subsidiary Print”
If this opportunity is right for your farm business and you are able to meet all requirements, please fill out this application to be considered!
Review our Frequently Asked Questions
If you have more questions, please feel free to reach out to:
Benjamin Lewis
Grower Outreach & Education Programs Manager