Preparing for Disaster: Establishing an Ag Pass Program in Your Community

Possession of an Ag Pass during a wildfire or similar disaster allows farmers and ranchers access to areas that may otherwise be restricted to the public so that they can protect or care for agricultural assets (such as by irrigating crops or feeding, watering, and transporting livestock) or provide auxiliary support to emergency personnel (such as identification of access roads and water points).

It is crucial that those who may seek access to an evacuation zone establish communication—before a crisis—with all relevant local agencies so that authorities understand and support the process.

This publication describes how communities across California might approach such a program, recognizing that the structure and organization of any such program will ultimately depend upon the specific resources, politics, and relationships within any one community.

It is free for download: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8685#FullDescription

Such a program has been available in Ventura County.  Now it is being extended to Santa Barbara Co. For a hands-on program that has been initiated in Santa Barbara County and will be available for applicants to obtain Ag Passes, attend one of these trainings, June 1 or 2.