The upcoming Mendocino Craft Farmers Auction offers unique experiences for charity

The inaugural Mendocino Craft Farmers Auction (MCFA) takes place in Mendocino County and is presented by the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance and the Mendocino Producers Guild (MPG). The event will be hosted by Jim Roberts and Brian Adkinson, owners of cannabis brand The Bohemian Chemist. The duo also own two private residences and venues, Madrone House and The Brambles, where the MCFA will be held.

Although the event is limited to 150 guests ($200 per ticket, which of course is tax deductible), the offerings planned for the auction are experiences you won’t want to miss. “Auction items will include rare opportunities such as visits and overnight stays at some of the farms of the finest local cannabis producers, health and wellness experiences, fine dining and adventures in our world-renowned wilderness,” reads the Eventbrite description. “Other items on offer include locally made crafts, gift certificates from local businesses, farm products and more. Generous donors should not be surprised when their generosity is matched by breeders looking to share something from their private reserve for a truly unique and coveted experience!”

Throughout the event (which will take place between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on July 16), attendees will be invited to participate in silent and live auctions and taste local wines from Maple Creek Winery. Dinner will be served by Executive Chef Dan Hagopian and the live auction will begin during dessert, followed by live music from Covelo, California farmer DJ Mo Magic.

Proceeds from the auction will support Redwood Community Services, Inc.’s Crisis Response service. The organization provides crisis intervention in Mendocino County with a variety of services such as “mental health, assessment, assessments, intervention, follow-up, and aftercare services. Madrone House also offers a six-bed therapeutic crisis program that helps adults over the age of 18 who are going through a mental health crisis but do not qualify for inpatient hospitalization. “Madrone House, in partnership with Adventist Health hospitals, is providing housing for identified patients who meet criteria for medical discharge when accessing the services needed for their journey back to the community,” the organization says on its website .

The Northern California cannabis community is made up of many seasoned companies that have weathered industry challenges in the region over the years. In particular, the companies that operate out of the Emerald Triangle demonstrate the industry’s ability to support one another and thrive, often with an emphasis on nurturing their local community as well.

Another unique experience being brought back to the legal industry is the cannabis grower markets. More recently, in April, a Legislative Committee approved Assembly Bill 2691, which would allow small-scale cannabis growers to sell their produce at farmers’ markets. The bill is being introduced by Assemblyman Jim Wood, who confidently believes it will help small cannabis farmers. “It’s no secret that cannabis companies across the state are struggling, whether it’s with taxes, compliance costs, competing in the illicit market, or other challenges, but AB-2691’s focus is to help legal cannabis growers who earn less than Growing an acre of cannabis is gaining consumer recognition for its unique products, much like it has been for craft beer, artisan wine and other family farming products,” said Wood. “Allowing these smaller farmers to showcase their products to the public at locally sanctioned events increases consumer choice and gives farmers a better chance of hitting retail shelves, which is their ultimate goal. It’s not about bypassing retailers, it’s about growing the industry as a whole.”

MPG is already holding markets for cannabis growers in Laytonville, with one scheduled for May 28th, followed by more gatherings on June 25th and July 30th. Nearly 30 small cannabis farms participate in these events and 10% of profits are donated to the 10 Mile Creek Watershed Council.