Schwarzenegger Administration Obtains Federal Disaster Declaration in 29 California Counties

Governor’s action prompts declaration following heavy rains, flooding

Sacramento – Farmers and ranchers in 29 California counties are eligible to be considered for emergency loan assistance from the federal Farm Service Agency (FSA) following declaration of a disaster following the severe weather, heavy rains and flooding of Winter 2005 and Spring 2006. The declaration was made by Secretary Mike Johanns of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s emergency declarations earlier this year, as well as his timely communications with President Bush and members of his administration regarding the situation, helped gain the federal declaration.

“Because of Governor Schwarzenegger’s leadership, our farmers will now be able to seek federal assistance to help get them through a very difficult year,” said California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura.

The 29 counties designated as “primary natural disaster areas” are:

Alameda
Amador
Butte
Calaveras
Contra Costa
El Dorado
Fresno
Glenn
Humboldt
Kings
Lake
Madera
Mendocino
Merced
Nevada
Plumas
Sacramento
San Joaquin
San Mateo
Shasta
Sierra
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Tulare
Yolo
Yuba

Farmers in contiguous counties are also eligible for emergency loans under the terms of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. These counties are:

Alpine
Colusa
Del Norte
Inyo
Kern
Lassen
Marin
Mariposa
Modoc
Mono
Monterey
Napa
Placer
San Benito
San Francisco
San Luis Obispo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Siskiyou
Trinity
Tuolumne

Farmers in these counties who experienced weather-related losses due to severe weather between December 17, 2005 and April 26, 2006 are encouraged to work with their local FSA office to apply for assistance.

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and promotes California’s $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California’s farmers and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental stewardship.