Disaster Programs
Disaster Assistance Programs
Agricultural disasters can take on many forms. Drought, floods, freezing temperatures, and severe storms are only just a few covered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs. These programs include crop insurance, tree replant assistance, dairy assistance and many more. Click here to learn more about USDA disaster assistance programs. The USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) is a great resource to assist you with various disaster programs. Visit the USDA FSA website here to learn more. These programs do have eligibility requirements.
Part of the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner’s mandates is to report on crop conditions within the county. When disasters occur that result in crop and/or livestock damage, our office does everything in our power to communicate with growers and assess the damage. If growers provide their information, and the damage is serious enough, USDA assistance programs become available to Fresno County growers. Please be on the lookout for these damage assessment surveys and share your information with us. Information provided to us is confidential. Grower data is combined with other grower data so that nobody’s individual data is distinguishable. Grower data is also protected from public information request laws by the same confidentiality.
Ag ID Program
The County of Fresno Department of Agriculture, Sheriff’s Office and Cal-Fire, with guidance from University of California Cooperative Extension, are proud to announce the launch of Ag ID.
The Ag ID program identifies Agricultural Producers, which are currently defined as producers of livestock consisting of 25 or more head of livestock that reside in Fresno County for at least a portion of the year. After completing training requirements and submitting an application (with appropriate supporting documentation), approved Agricultural Producers are issued an Ag ID. The Ag ID document allows Agricultural Producers to request entrance to evacuation zones or other restricted areas during a natural disaster. Approval to enter these areas is at the sole discretion of law enforcement, fire, or other emergency personnel. Entrance is limited to properties indicate on the Agricultural Producer’s Ag ID and is only to provide feed, water, medical treatment, and other care to their livestock. They may also be asked to share their local knowledge with emergency personnel.
How do you get an Ag ID?
- To qualify for this program, you must be an Agricultural Producer, which is defined as an owner of livestock consisting of 25 head or more of livestock that reside in Fresno County for at least a portion of the year.
- Attend an annual training class. Information will be distributed via email to individuals who likely qualify as Agricultural Producers. Training dates will be posted on our events calendar.
- Submit an application to the County of Fresno Department of Agriculture along with documentation supporting your status as an Agricultural Producer.
- We will contact you when your Ag ID is ready to be picked up.
Please be sure to review the following documents for a full explanation of the Ag ID Program.