Additional News Links
CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE UPDATES
- October, 2007
CDFA HELPS WITH Aid and Assistance for Victims Of Southern California Wildfires
Photos: J. Eddy / CDFA
I am deeply saddened by the news of lives lost and families displaced by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Every hour it seems as if there's another news report of a farmer, grower or rancher who has suffered damages or loss of a home, livestock, poultry, nursery stock, orchards, fields or an entire livelihood. The fast response of Governor Schwarzenegger, the Office of Emergency Services and state and local firefighters kept the devastation from becoming even more extensive. The generous mutual support of federal, state, county and local agencies and organizations is now helping individuals and businesses [Press Release] during the recovery process [Press Release].
For those who work to grow and distribute the wonderful agricultural products we depend on, their losses must certainly be disheartening. Governor Schwarzenegger and I extend our deepest sympathies to all of them and their families and hope for a speedy rebuilding and renewal [Press Release].
I would like to thank our CDFA employees who responded so quickly to assist fire victims and their pets and livestock. They have helped open fair and rodeo grounds, horse parks, exhibition centers and other facilities in several counties to provide shelter for people and animals fleeing the fires. Several of our veterinary staff are now working at animal evacuation centers in the Southland to coordinate the movement of resources to support pets and livestock.
CDFA is assisting dairy farms within the region to continue milk shipments to processors. We are coordinating with Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol to allow trucks through restricted thoroughfares. Eggs have similar distribution pressures since the supply from chickens does not stop when egg trucks do not arrive. In addition, chickens require feed deliveries on a frequent basis. CDFA and the San Diego emergency operations center have been facilitating movement of feed trucks through roadblocks for several chicken ranches in that county.
Although it's still too early for us to know the full extent of the loss and injury from the wildfires, I have seen reports of widespread wind, heat and fire damage to nursery, grove and field crops including avocados, oranges, lemons, evergreen trees, wine grapes, pumpkins, strawberries and potted plants.
My office has been in touch with John Smythe, Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in California, regarding the potential for resources and assistance. He informed me, "California farmers and ranchers have experienced several recent events: floods, droughts, heat waves, a severe freeze and now horrific damage from the Southern California fires. The U.S. Forest Service is actively fighting these massive fires, USDA's Food Nutrition Service is standing by to provide food stamps and food assistance, and the Farm Service Agency is prepared to respond to the needs of farmers and ranchers after the immediate danger is over. As the FSA director in charge of assessing agricultural damage, I will be touring and inspecting the damaged areas and reporting back to Washington, D.C., my observations and recommendations for assistance. I look forward to working closely with you and CDFA staff, the county agricultural commissioners, and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services to coordinate requests for assistance."
Weather-related catastrophes have been setbacks in the past, but our industry remains strong and resilient. I have confidence that the indomitable spirit of California farmers, growers and ranchers will prevail through this calamity and enable them to reestablish their livelihoods. As people begin to rebuild their lives and businesses after these devastating wildfires, I'm mobilizing CDFA to assist them in any way possible.
I have traveled to Southern California to see the fire damage firsthand and met with residents. This has helped me better understand how CDFA can assist them through the rebuilding and restoration process.
For federal, state and local information, assistance and other resources on the Internet, visit Cal Fires and CDFA.
As always, thank you for your support. Feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns.
A.G. Kawamura
Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
916-654-0433