An Introduction to APC

August 14, 2025

A vibrant California economy depends on the prosperity of farmers and ranchers who steward the land, restore soil health, and nurture healthy plants, livestock, and communities. Contributing over $50 billion annually and employing hundreds of thousands statewide, the agricultural sector is vital to California’s economy and the resilience of its food systems.

However, under-resourced and small producers face significant financial and structural obstacles that jeopardize their success. Unlike industrial operations, these farmers are more likely to steward the land and nourish local communities, but have historically been overlooked or discriminated against. Addressing these barriers is essential to preserving small-scale farming, promoting soil health, and fostering a resilient agricultural system for future generations.

That’s why the Agricultural Platform Collective (APC) was founded—to transform the industrial food system by addressing systemic challenges faced by small, underrepresented farmers and ranchers and breaking down barriers that hinder the full potential of their businesses.

Guided by a collective-focused, farmer-driven approach, APC provides consistent market access, financial tools, and on-farm technical assistance to support the economic vitality of small producers and advance a regenerative agricultural economy. Currently, APC’s efforts are concentrated in the Central San Joaquin Valley, where it has built a growing network of over 50 Black, Hmong, and Latino/a farmers and ranchers in the Fresno area. With plans for statewide expansion, APC continues to strengthen and diversify its community of producers.

Unearthing Producer Possibilities
APC directly supports small farmers and ranchers by equipping them with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to support their success and sustainability, through helping producers secure:
  • Consistent Market Access: Unlocking reliable and profitable sales through connections with diverse values-aligned buyers such as institutions, retailers, and distributors.
  • Technical Assistance: Offering technical resources to small producers that enable them to access markets and transition to regenerative practices.
  • Land Agency Support: Empowering producers to secure and sustain farmland, ensuring long-term equity and success.
Partners in Change: The Role of Buyers
Buyers across all spaces, from institutions and distributors to retailers and restaurants, can play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and equitable food system. The APC bridges the gap between small-scale producers and large-scale procurement needs, streamlining the process to:
  • Source Fresh, Locally Grown Produce: Connecting buyers directly with small farmers to provide high-quality, seasonal ingredients, while bolstering local economies.
  • Promote Healthier, Sustainable Food Systems: Supporting regenerative and natural farming practices to deliver nutritious produce while empowering underrepresented communities.
  • Access Generationally Grown Produce: Partnering with experienced farmers to deliver premium, culturally significant crops for diverse communities.
Commitment to a Regenerative Future

APC is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem where small producers lead the transition to regenerative agriculture, integrating sustainable practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen farms’ ability to withstand the effects of climate change. By employing techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, fertilizer management, and minimizing synthetic chemical inputs, regenerative agriculture creates more enduring and sustainable agricultural systems.

Regenerative agriculture is rooted in Indigenous wisdom and traditional practices, and honors a long legacy of sustainable stewardship. Building on this foundation of centuries old Indigenous knowledge and technology, APC celebrates these to help empower farmers to advance enduring agricultural systems. Through collaboration and actionable support, the APC is committed to making regenerative agriculture not just a goal but a shared reality for California’s farmers and ranchers.

Ready to Join Us?

The path to a more just, prosperous, and regenerative world begins with the most basic of human needs, healthy food. By working together, we can tackle the toughest sustainability challenges, foster thriving communities, and ensure a resilient future for food producers and consumers alike. Whether you’re a farmer, buyer, policymaker, or investor, there’s a place for you in this movement Let’s unearth the possibilities—together. Contact us to learn more!

 

*APC is administratively supported by the Office of Kat Taylor and is a partnership between OKThink, Inc. and the TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation. It evolved from Growing the Table, a COVID-19 response food aid philanthropic project financially administered by the TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation and executed by the Office of Kat Taylor. At a time of food insecurity and economic instability, Growing the Table connected 452 small farmers—over 70% from underrepresented communities—with more than 120 community distribution organizations, delivering 1.2 million pounds of fresh, locally grown food to those who needed it most.